1902-1995
Born in Norway
Sailed to America and settled in Brooklyn, NY in the 20's
Birthed 4 sons ... 3 of them on her kitchen table
Was mostly a stay at home mom, but she did work in a laundromat for a number of years
Watched all 4 of her sons go off into the military ... Navy, Army, Airforce
Welcomed many people to stay(live) in her home for extended periods of time
Entertained a large extended family for most holidays in a small home
Loved her garden and cared for her flowers/vegetables in a very gingerly way
Loved the sun and would sit and bake outdoors whenever she could
Swept in and around her house/porch every single day
Lost her husband to cancer in 1977
Soon after began traveling to and from NORWAY for the first time since she came to the US
Spoke Norwegian when she was nervous/upset
Remained in her home until 1992
Slight dementia and Parkinsons struck her
Went to see her LORD in 1995
My Grandma was sweet and caring. She told great stories and was a terrific listener. Her homemade doughnuts were my favorite. She would let me dip them in tea with lots of little sugar cubes. She carried old mints in her purse and I would eat them despite the condition. She never drove a car, but made her way through the streets of Brooklyn by way of buses, trains, taxis, and rides. She knew many and as they aged, helped run errands when they couldn't.
My Grandma didn't know a lot of technology. She had a phone, a TV, a radio, and a washer. She hung her clothes on a line and hand washed all of her dishes. Her life was rather simple. She didn't complain. She knitted blankets and made slippers. She read the newspaper and had a variety of bird books and magazines from Norway.
My Grandma loved AMERICA, but also took great pride in being a native Norwegian. She connected with others who came off the boat. She went to Norwegian Day Parades in NY. She loved her fish and prepared many Norwegian dishes.
My Grandmother's house is the first place I had sleepovers. I always felt special getting time away from my mom, dad, and siblings. She would let me sleep in my grandfather's old room. She let me paint her nails and didn't care whether they were done meticulously or not.
My Grandma always patted your face and looked straight into your eyes when she saw you. She asked about YOU and would really listen. I don't think I ever heard her raise her voice and she never seemed angry.
My Grandmother was WONDERFUL. She holds such a special place in my heart. Someday I hope to be just like her to my own grandchildren ... warm and loving.
Comments
There's no one else like a grandmother. Mine was not just a grandmother, but my mother too. We were best friends and we loved to do so much together. She and my grandfather helped raise me after my father passed away when I was 5. I have many treasures of hers and feel so lucky to have them, but the true treasure was just being able to be so close to her.
Do you cook any of the foods your grandma used to cook? Family recipes are a treasure too.