Spunky

It's long past my bedtime and I sat here thinking and processing my day in my head and decided that my thoughts were too good to risk losing to my memory in the morning.  So here I am.  


A few co-workers and I had a discussion today that began with decor and ended in funeral homes.  I laid in bed this evening thinking of how funny it was and it brought me to the idea of funerals, etc.  For several months now, I've been trying to come up with a name for my thought process or way of thinking.  I haven't found the "catch phrase" just yet, but the basic gist is - why do we wait until someone has passed to think of the wonderful memories we've had with them?  Why do we wait until their funeral or wake to say wonderful things about them or tell the world how much they mean to us?  It seems a shame to say the very least and as I thought of people that fit the bill in my life...those whom I need to tell just how much I love them, my Grandma was one of the first that came to mind.  So, this post has been entitled appropriately so, "Spunky".  


I don't know why, but I've always considered my grandmother "spunky".  She's never fit the grandmother mold in many ways.  First, she's really young.  That's because she was young when she had my mom and my mom was young when she had me.  I've always considered it a huge blessing.  It's allowed me to know her mother and her mother-in-law quite well before they passed, something I'll always treasure.   


So outside of being younger than most grandmothers, I think maybe "spunky" may have always seemed appropriate in my mind for just thinking she's really cool.  I distinctly remember being a teen driver and having gone somewhere with her, we were driving back into my neighborhood for her to drop me off at my house.  I remember her driving way faster than the 25 mph speed limit and us jamming to a radio station that was quite popular among me and my friends.  This was a radio station that was already programed into her radio.  I didn't even have to request to listen to "my" music!  I can recall thinking to myself "Wow, Grandma is cool!"  


I have so many awesome childhood memories of being with her and my grandfather.  During sleepovers, she'd lie in bed with me in the dark and we'd name our bedbugs.  We'd tell what they looked like and what their names were. "Mine's lime green with purple spots and his name is Wheezy", I'd say.  She'd follow suit and amuse me for what seemed like forever.  I don't remember the game ending, so maybe it was a plot to get me asleep.  These bedbug games would always follow a movie night that had been capped off by ice cream and popcorn.  What more could a kid ask for?!  


"Spunky" has always seemed appropriate for her demeanor and appearance as well.  For years now she's had a short haircut, but not that tight curled traditional grandmotherly do.  Instead, she's had what she herself refers to as "punk rocker".  It's not quite extreme enough to get her a stint as a KISS impersonator, but just spunky enough to keep her hip.  In honesty, she'll tell you that she keeps it short and spiky so it's easy to keep up with.  


Standing about 5 foot, 3 inches, she's never been a large woman.  She's got a small frame.  Noticeably, her hands have fallen victim to her rheumatoid arthritis.  Though it seriously affects the rest of her body, you wouldn't know it.  Upon meeting her, you'd never know that she'd had so many surgeries or that she has so many new joints.  Mostly because she's "spunky".  Her attitude is one of positivity and realism.  She's never been held back by her disease nor expected pity for it.  Even in the midst of healing and recovery processes or an ugly flair, she's in the best of spirits.  I've never once heard her truly complain or whine.  She's a trooper in the real sense of the word.  


I suspect that she herself would admit that one of her coping mechanisms is laughter.  She can laugh with the best of them.  Most admirably, she knows how to laugh at herself.  Her huge heart and sunny personality give her an edge when in a crowd.  One of my all time favorite quotes about her from my grandfather, "Carolyn could make friends with a hood ornament".  Perhaps not a direct quote, but I'm certain it was something close to that.  It's so true.  


I remember going to the old "Co-Op" for spices with her (one of my favorite errands) and her talking and talking to someone.  When we'd get back to the car, I'd ask "Who was that, Grandma?"  I've learned the answer most usually is "Oh, I don't know! I was just being friendly!"  If you want an ice-breaker, bring along Grandma.  If you need a talker, she's your gal.  


A lover of history and traditional "guy" movies, she's a HOOT!  My mom has always quoted her as saying "when in doubt, don't"...though as I'm recalling it - maybe it came from her mother?  She'll have to confirm.  She's always been daring, care-free, and just all around FUN to be around.  


So in the spirit of telling people NOW just how much they mean to you (I do need a catch phrase), this is for you, Grandma.  I love you so much!  You have inspired me through the years.  Struggle, you may have, but complain, you didn't.  I've seen you as a wonderful mother, loving and supportive wife, and a spunky, fun-loving grandmother.  You continue to provide such a wonderful example of a godly woman.  I could never tell you enough how much you mean to me or the impact you've made upon my life.  I pray that I'll get a little of your dare-devil spirit, your grand sense of humor, your tough as nails stamina, and your Christ-like love for others!  If I'm half as spunky as you are, I'll be honored!  


So, let it be said...whether it's her popcorn popping, bedbug naming, rheumatoid arthritis fighting, or her making friends with hood ornaments...MY GRANDMA ROCKS! :0)