Mom

Last week I lost my grandmother.  My brother and I called her Mom.  We were lucky enough to grow up on the ranch with my grandparents less than a mile away.  I spent the first two years of my life with Mom.  She kept me everyday when my parents were at work.  We sat next to each other in her orange chair.  I learned my colors by looking at flower seed catalogs with her.  She always talked about how I used to say "lellow", but somehow managed to get out "gladiolas".  Mom also taught me how to read.  After those first two years, I still saw my grandparents nearly every afternoon.  Pop retired when I was maybe four, so I got to see him all the time after that.  We spent most weekends with them as well.  I learned how to cook the basics from her.  She tried to teach me to crochet, but I just didn't sit still long enough.  I spent so many hours sitting next to Mom in her chair.  When I got too big to fit in the chair with her, I sat on the armrest of her chair and Pop's chair.  Later I moved to the ottoman.  I always sat next to her though.  My seat at the table was next to her also.  Mom was my go to person when I felt down.  She was pretty shy and reserved, so when she said something it was important.  She always told me that if somebody didn't like me the way I am, they could just keep on walking.  I never heard her raise her voice in anger.  I didn't see Mom nearly as much as I should have the last few years.  I guess my only excuse was that seeing her so frail broke my heart.  Pop passed away in April.  They were married for 62 years.  Mom went to be with him less than a year later.  I went to see her the week before she died and I got to tell her about my sweet guy.  She was excited and I could tell it made her happy to see me happy.  I will miss Mom so much, just like I've missed Pop.  They helped make me who I am today and I know they were proud of me because they made it a point to say so.  They would tell me they loved me and were proud of me.  I love them and I'm proud of the life and family they created.  I'm so glad they're together now.  Mom's favorite flowers were irises, so these are for her.