One of my oldest memories of Grandma was watching her type without looking at the keys. I thought it was pretty cool that she could type while turning her head to talk to me. I imagine that she might have been working on one of the causes in which she believed.
One of Grandma’s causes was the anti-war movement and she used to march on Washington. In fact, when Eric was considering getting married at the Lincoln Memorial and was concerned with the logistics related to obtaining chairs, I encouraged him by saying that he need not bother. We could stand and Grandma could get her old spot back.
Related to her activist activities, when people observed me drinking lots of water, I would remark that “I gotta get rid of those free radicals like Grandma and Abbie Hoffman.” I once described this to the Grands in one of our weekly telecons.
“Grandma is not a free radical,” Grandpa claimed.
“She’s not free?” I queried.
“I’m not a radical!” Grandma protested.
I never understood why this bothered her as I was proud that she sung background vocals for Pete Seeger.
Grandma was one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Even though she often told me that “health is the most important thing,”she refrained from buying some of her expensive meds preferring to save the money for our inheritance. I told her that we could manage and encouraged her to enjoy the benefits of her drugs, but I think that my efforts were in vain.
I remember visiting the Grands in Florida when I was in Atlanta on business. It took a surprising amount of effort to get there from just a state away. I had to get up very early in the morning, take a few cabs, a plane, a train... I think a camel may have been involved. I finally arrive, and Grandma has to feed me. “Not this time, Grandma, I need to get some sleep.” I went to bed, mostly for effect, and arose a few hours later. “OK, Grandma. Now!” Grandma launched into lunch service and we enjoyed our meal. We just about get everything all cleaned up when Grandma notices, “Oh look, it's time for dinner,” and out everything comes.
For several years, one of the highlights of my week was calling Grandma as I was doing my laundry. Grandma told me that she appreciated that I saved the best part, the folding stage, for her. In recent months, however, the calls got shorter as Grandma appeared to lack the energy for a sustained conversation. The calls were so short, in fact, that unfolded laundry sat around my room much of the time as I neglected to complete the folding stage without Grandma’s company.
OK Grandma. The laundry is done. Thanks for helping me trap the last wayward sock. Grandpa is waiting for a shuffleboard rematch. Good bye. I love you.
A dank for playing.
© Adam Brody All rights reserved.
If you liked what you read above, then please consider a donation to the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), an organization for which Grandma served as president.
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