I have been struggling with what to write. I fear not choosing the right words could do an injustice to your legacy. I held you in such high regard. You are the matriarch of our family. You have a way of bringing us all together and giving us a sense of belonging to one another. We are family and that is always first. You never spoke those words to me. You have lived them. You are kind. You are generous.
I have always admired your love for life and that you could always find happiness. You and my Ha Ha have never been rich. You never had much in the way of money, but man, you had so much love. You are rich in love and family and the things that cannot be bought. You are rich in things you cannot buy, but that can only be earned with time, love and respect. I suppose that sounds simple, but it truly is a treasure-a gift that is enviable by any outsider looking in.
When I was first married, I approached you in a bit of a panic. I though what have I done. Forever? What if I change? What if he changes? You told me I couldn't look at it that way. You said to look at it one day at a time. Each day when you wake up, imagine you and he are standing on opposites sides of a bridge. And each day you each walk halfway across the bridge to meet one another. You kiss good morning. You do your best to meet him halfway on things during the day and then you kiss goodnight. One day at a time...
I have taken your advice to heart knowing that I really wanted what you and Ha Ha had. I model my marriage to Steve after the two of you. We just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary on February 5th. I feel so fortunate that you and HaHa came to our wedding at the Montgomery County, MD courthouse. You sure we're given the royal treatment; a police escort to the front door because of the crowds. No, those crowds weren't for me. They were for Mike Tyson, the famous boxer who was being arraigned that day for rape. I digress...
You taught me about true love, family and how to be nurturing. I like to think I got my love for gardening from you. You could nurture any plant back to life and start a new one from the miracle of root tone. You have always loved toiling in the garden. I have a lilac bush and a whole garden of irises from your yard in Lewisdale, MD. We spent a lot of time together in your yard in Ocean View, DE. I think we both love hard work and the immediate gratification of seeing it pay off in beautiful blooms and greenery. One time Steve came to help me out with putting in a walk way between your garage and your front door. You were telling him about all of the trees you cut down in the yard When you first moved in. You pointed across the yard and said, "I cut one over there." Steve responded, "Did it smell?" You two bonded on the spot. Fart humor always wins!
My Tennessee Grandma full of southern charm and grace. I am so blessed to love you and to know you loved me back.
I turned the corner to your home the other day and my heart did its familiar rise in anticipation of seeing you. When I parked my car in your driveway my heart stopped along with it. I had to remind it to keep beating. I assured myself that though things won't be quite the same, you will always be with me in spirit. A new chapter for the two of us - not an ending. I love you with all of my heart. Always and Forever - Sharon
P.S. I'll eat your 1/2 of the chocolates from here on out.