I cannot think of just one story as there are so many from over the years. Most recently, the wonderful time she attended Madison's first communion and the pure joy that spread across her face as she gave her a beautiful rosary. Her love (or should I say "obsession" with the Blue Jays (her boys)....always watching until the final inning. Of course the ever constant knitting while she rocked her in her chair, donating all her baby and kid sweaters that she knit, to the local hospital. Madison LOVING her tiny little 'rides' on her walker while she pushed her on it from her rocking chair to the kitchen...and back. The shared interest that her and Madison had in all things crafty.

Growing up, I remember fondly going to visit her and Grandad when they were in pickering and she allowed me to go up into the attic to play with some of the really old dolls or a toy or two. The kitchen smells in Pickering and Rice Lake always warmed up the entire homes with cozy goodness and always just had that perfect smell of 'grandma's kitchen'.

The few times I was able to visit her while she did her 6 month stint in Florida with Grandad. She taught me how to make a 'dickey' (which had almost all the knitting patterns in it, she told me). She taught me how to play Crib there as well, a game I still very much enjoy. 

I will be forever grateful for the beautiful afghan she made me a couple of years ago and a gorgeous quilt that she was planning on giving to me for a wedding present but in jest, through at me and said "well, this was going to be your wedding present but...." (as I wasn't engaged or married at the time and I guess she was losing hope, lol). The wonderful quilt her and my mom worked on for my daughter, Madison (with accompanying doll quilt for her dolls). Her garden that she was always so proud of and would show us...many years ago along with the lilacs I was allowed to cut down and bring back home with me (as she had many at her place on Rice Lake).

There are many more fond memories or stories that have escaped me right now but if I think of one or two in particular, will be sure to post here.

She will be sorely missed by us all. I am glad I got to know her and feel blessed that my daughter, Madison had a nice relationship with her great grandmother.

Peace and Love, Grandma!!

Love Paula

PS. There is one funny story I do remember but it might not be funny for most. 

I was staying at grandma and grandad's as my brother was on his way into this world. I was in the bath and I had a bandaid on some cut I had on my knee. My grandma said it was time to take it off and I said no. She said I needed to take it off and put a new bandaid on or it would get infected. I said okay but to take it off slowly but she said it would be better if she ripped it off quickly. I said "no" and then she just said "it'll be okay.." and yank. Off it came. I was so mad! It didn't really hurt but in my child's mind, I thought I received a great blow. She dried me off while I pouted and she kept just talking calmly to me and got me into my pajamas. I told her I was so mad and she was giggling (only until I had my own daughter did I realize she was not laughing at me but seeing small tiny children get mad with their little scrunched up faces IS HILARIOUS!)Anyhow, I was gonna get her back!!! I ran and jumped up (it was a very high bed so I needed a running start) and said I was gonna 'CRY ALL NIGHT INTO HER PILLOW AND MAKE IT ALL WET" (which made her just laugh (or chuckle as she closed the door, just leaving a crack of light coming in) and she said "all right dear, nighty night now".

She had a lovely smile and when she was amused her face lit up.

We will miss you very much Grandma (and great Grandma!!)