Rest in Peace Grandmary

Today started with a bit of a shock.  My grandmother passed away this morning.  I know that she was old and frail and all life comes to an end but it is still hard to accept.   On one of our last visits with her she asked me if I would play my violin at her funeral.  Since funeral arrangements are not set and might not happen for while I put on the TV for the kids this morning and played my violin for a good hour.  Something that I don't get a chance to do often lately.  I played pieces that she would love and practiced a few a bit more in detail that she would love at her funeral.  It is amazing how music can calm an aching heart and bring joy during a hard time.  I only pray that I can play for her service if my Grandpa decided to have one.  Until then I will play for her whenever I have the chance and remember her memory.  I have many wonderful memories of my grandmother.  She taught me how to sew by hand and  she is where I learned my love of folk dancing.

I have a few specific memories that I love about my grandma.

When I was little, maybe around 4,  I had a bank that had to be broken to get into.  I don't even remember what the bank looked like but I remember during a visit she and I trying to get money out of it with a knife and yes we broke it.  My mom was so upset with her mother and me.  I always found it funny getting into trouble with grandma.

When I was visiting her during high school she brought out some old pictures of her family when she was little.  She had 12 sibling and she asked me to guess who she in a family picture.  I knew instantly and pointed her out.  She asked how I knew so quick and I responded, "You look just like me!".   Yes, my special bond with my grandmother is that I am her.  Her parents were Ukrainian immigrants and my Ukrainian heritage has always been my favorite lineage.   My favorite folk dancing was Ukrainian, Ukrainian eggs are probably one of my favorite holiday traditions and
something I will pass onto my children along with our Ukrainian Easter dinner traditions.  I have even had random strangers come up and ask me if I was Slavic.


I only wish that we were able to visit more during the last 10 years but thankful for the visits we did have and the chance that we had to live in Texas and able to make weekend trips to Albuquerque.  I am thankful that the girls were able to meet my grandparents and have memories of sitting in great-grandma's lap while she sang to them.

Love you Grandma