in loving memory

Grandma Stevenson

(a few recollections)

it was always a long 2 hour drive to grandmas house, not because it was a really long time, but because just like anything a child looks forward to, like Christmas morning or the night before you go to Disneyland, it just seemed to take forever! but just like Santa and Mickey mouse, grandma did not disappoint!
i remember jumping out of the mini van and all of us kids racing to the front door where we knew grandma would be waiting there for us with a big hug and some sort of wonderful treat from her kitchen. which, by the way was always well stocked with goodies! like her chocolate cookies with the fudge icing and a walnut lovingly placed right in the middle.(one of my personal favorites) ,and on occasion while mom and dad were preoccupied unloading the car or tending to some other task she would let us have just one more! and we loved her for it!

in her backyard she had a wonderful apricot tree, and in the summer she would make the best apricot jam, and i still think of her when ever i have apricot jam on toast! and in the fall after grandpa had raked up all of the leaves from that little tree, grandma let us jump and play in the what seemed enormous pile, knowing grandpas hard work would go to waist. (sorry grandpa) but we loved her for it.

her freezer was always magically filled with fudge pops and big sticks on hot days. and i remember despite the heat, many walks to the park, where she spent hours watching us kids all play, even though, i bet she would have enjoyed her cozy, air conditioned home better then melting on a hard park bench, but we loved her for it!

i cant remember a time that she ever raised her voice to us kids even though at times we probably deserved it! i do how ever remember very distinctly the sound of her laughter as we all sat around the dinner table enjoying one of her famous deserts like home made pie, chocolate trifle or blueberry supreme, as she shared funny stories of my dads childhood. or as my parents would tell her the stories of ours. i liked watching the way her eyes would sparkle with pride when she talked about her family, and felt so lucky to be apart of it!

bed time at grandmas were the best! all of us kids would pile into her tub and watch with complete joy as she would poor the pink Avon bubble bath into the tub and fill the room with the soapy smell that will always be connected with grandmas house. then after we were all cleaned up, teeth brushed and PJ's on it was off to the garage to pick a book or two for her to read, as we all snuggled in bed together! i can still hear the melodic and rhythmic way she would read "green eggs and ham" or "hop on pop!" i loved the sweet dusty smell of the books as she had us help her turn the pages. then before she tucked our feet under the covers and say good night she would touch each toe and recite "wittle Petey" and we loved it!

it wasn't just when i was near her i felt her love, she was so good at remembering every birthday, Christmas and special occasion. i will always remember that even though she could not come to my temple sealing (as she was on a mission serving the lord) she rallied the whole family who could, to come and be there for me! and i felt her love through the family she loves.

and i don't know how she did it but when ever i needed some cheering up she would magically call or i would get a sweet card in the mail just in time. even on the other side she took the time to send me some sunshine on a morning filled with sorrow to lift my heart and remind me she's still there watching out for me. and i love her for it.

there are so many moments and memories of grandma locked in my heart, and i am sure many more in the hearts of those who knew her. her life was full of service and love. i don't think there is a person in this world who met grandma and didn't just fall in love with her kind, sweet spirit! i couldn't have asked for a better example of faith, love and goodness! she was an angel on this earth, and heaven is rejoicing to have her home!