Letters With Grandma

Letters are the bridges that allow us to reach each other over the miles and across the years. The hand written letter has given way to e-mail and texting these days, but for my Grandmother, there was no substitution for a personally written letter. Grandma's desk held years of family happenings. From all over the country, daughters, sons, grandchildren, and brothers and cousins would write regularly with the latest news. Many times tucked inside the folded pages, a snapshot of a sweet moment could be found. It could range from graduation pictures to an article that made a local paper, causing a family member to be mildly and momentarily famous. Always, though, it was the words and the love floating off the page into all of our hearts that was so meaningful. The reading of the letters was an event. Grandma's desk was situated on the back wall, the centerpiece of the living room.

We gathered around, often after sharing a meal together, because for grandma, food was love. We would settle ourselves in the same spots every time...grandpa would sit on his couch and mom and me on grandma's couch. Grandma, well, her place was in a small rocking chair positioned directly in front of the desk. It was just as though she was guarding the treasures inside.  Reaching into the desk drawers, stuffed with letters and bits of this and that; her hand would emerge with the most recent family news. Conversation would hush and we would wait expectantly. 

Grandma's voice filled the air. For me, this was comfort and connection. It was something that knit us all together and played a big part in shaping who I became and what I value in life. This routine repeated itself until Grandpa found his way to heaven and then Grandma, following just five months later. When it came time for their lives to finish, I discovered when it is someone you love, you are never ready, never happy, and never short on tears. And yet, I also discovered that every tradition, every memory, every sweet thing that transpired between you, lives on in your heart. Nothing is lost. As for me, I cherish the fact that I get to be part of a large loving family and the memories of letters with Grandma.