Tomorrow, February 18th, would have been my Grandmother Florine's 94th birthday. She was an amazing woman who had a kind word for everyone she met. Pictured above are four of her paintings. She was a talented artist, and created beautiful paintings for family members and friends throughout the years. She took personal requests, and made each painting as individual as the person who requested it.
My grandmother was the kind of person who could talk to anyone. She had an insight and empathy that saw right through to a person's soul. She gave people the gift of her completely focused attention, her warmth, and her considerable intellect. Although her formal education didn't go past eighth grade, she was probably the most intelligent person I have ever known. A voracious reader, she could converse on almost any topic, and was interested in everything.
Grandma was the person who everyone in the family went to with their problems and questions. She loved each of us absolutely unconditionally, and knew us better than we sometimes knew ourselves. If you asked Grandma for feedback, you always got it. Honest, direct, and loving. She knew all of our preferences down to the tiniest detail, and when we came to visit, she would buy all our favorite foods. We used to joke that if any of us looked at an item too long in the grocery store, she would insist on buying it for us.
Grandma taught all of her grandchildren to be creative. She was a talented writer, writing poetry and later her own autobiography for her family. She loved flowers, and made floral centerpieces for her church, graduations, or other family events. I remember making a treasure chest with her out of styrofoam and beads one year. Almost anything could be transformed into something magical under her guidance. As I mentioned earlier, she painted, and many of us have her paintings proudly hanging on our walls.
My grandmother was probably the single most important influence in my life. She taught me how to listen deeply to people, which I carry with me every day in my personal and professional life. She taught me to be creative; I write poetry, essays, letters to the editor. Maybe one day I will write my own autobiography, as she did. She taught me to be direct and honest, but to always try and frame my honesty in kindness. She taught me to never stop learning. Like her, I read voraciously. I have multiple hobbies, and am always interested in learning something new. Probably the most important thing she taught me was how to love- whole heartedly and unconditionally. She accepted each person where they were at in their lives, and never judged them. She was always encouraging, generous, and kind. It wasn't that she didn't see our faults and our life challenges- she did. But she saw each of us as a whole person that was absolutely precious to her, faults and all. She loved us unreservedly and always wanted the best for us.
Happy Birthday, Grandma. This is the first year that I can't send you flowers, and I miss you terribly. I hope you are surrounded by love, light, and a huge bouquet of your favorite pink flowers in the afterlife. I love you.
Sounds like an amazing women.
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