My Grandma’s Room

pop-steph

When I was a little girl my grandma’s room was full of wonders.

On her bedside table, then as now, sat a small white lamp and a thick black bible, well-worn even then. How many uncountable times did my grandma sit on the side of that bed, slowly turning brittle pages, seeking comfort, or peace, or giving praise?

My grandma’s dresser was no dainty bit of vanity. Made of heavy wood with drawers down both sides and carved doors in the center, it was strong and beautiful and I swear, those doors called to me. To be allowed to sit before that chest and hold a lap full of silk, the faded ink of love letters, the glitter of glass beads, and all those memories, her memories, in my hands…

My grandpa’s wardrobe was taller, more imposing, less accessible. But when he swung wide the big double doors, even a child could see it was full of dreams. Medals of honor and badges of war – curious jewelry to a child – shared space with carefully rolled papers and a violin. His maps to castles in the air.

On my grandpa’s nightstand, then as now, sat a small white lamp and, nearby, a guitar. How many uncountable times did my grandpa sit on the side of that bed, strumming with nimble fingers, seeking comfort, or peace, or singing praise?

My grandma’s room is much the same, then as now. It’s in a new house and some things have changed. My grandma still sits on the side of that bed. She still has that old black bible. My grandpa sang his last song this year, and now I sit on the side of that bed, finding comfort, seeking peace, and, as I look to those carved double doors full of memories and dreams, I give praise.

Responses

  1. Doug in Oakland Avatar

    That was a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar
  2. Aussa Lorens Avatar

    That was lovely! Made me think very much of my own Grandmother and Pop 🙂

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you! Mine was a Pop too. 😉

      Like

      1. Aussa Lorens Avatar

        Aw, really?! That’s awesome!

        Like

  3. crystal Avatar

    That was beautiful!

    Like

  4. summersunshineface Avatar

    My grandmother also has a small lamp and thick black bible lol beautiful writing

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar
    1. Steph Avatar

      Thanks! This one was a tough one.

      Like

      1. dogkisses Avatar

        Well, it was sure worth the read! I haven’t read Freshly Pressed in such a long time, but was moved to go there today, and luckily, found your blog 🙂 I hope to visit again.

        Have a beautiful day!
        Michelle (dogkisses).

        Like

        1. Steph Avatar

          Thanks so much and please do come back! Dog kisses…I’ve got to check out your blog!

          Like

  5. drjen Avatar

    Absolutely lovely.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Aw, thank you!

      Like

  6. madlene007 Avatar

    Reblogged this on madlens fashion blog.

    Like

  7. awax1217 Avatar

    Little scraps of memory is all I have left of them. No physical evidence, no things I can touch, just a flickering fading light of four people who had me and my brother to share.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Remembering is very hard sometimes, especially when the memories are all you have left of a person. Thanks for reading.

      Like

  8. godtisx Avatar

    May your grand father RIP. Enjoyed reading about your experience of them both (grandma too). 🙂

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you! I really appreciate that. My grandma and I are very close, and I still miss my grandpa every day.

      Like

      1. godtisx Avatar

        You got it Steph. 🙂 I admire your relationships.

        Like

  9. madlene007 Avatar

    I love those sentences! You wrote it so lovely! Thx

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you for reading! I wrote those sentences and scratched them out and wrote them again and scratched them out…it was hard to get it “right.”

      Like

  10. whenlifeisgood Avatar

    I detect no lunacy here. What a well written piece. I can picture the room. I remember my own grandmama’s dresser. These words touched me today. Lovely.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thanks much! I’m so glad you liked it. My crazy doesn’t show in every post, just most of them. 🙂

      Like

      1. whenlifeisgood Avatar

        Hello! I read Your post about Buzz haircuts. I am still laughing. I cut my husband’s hair, too, and many a time I cut his ears. You have a great sense of humor. I am glad I found your blog. Really.

        Like

        1. Steph Avatar

          Ah, you found my crazy! Lol! I’m glad too!

          Husbands should know better, really.

          Like

          1. whenlifeisgood Avatar

            Indeed. They keep coming back for more. Does yours mop up the hair afterwards?

            Like

            1. Steph Avatar

              Yes, but he doesn’t really apply himself.

              Like

  11. nicolemariex Avatar

    Beautiful post. Mirrors my sentiments exactly, under a slightly different scenario.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar
  12. worzelodd Avatar

    My Grandma had a sherry bottle at her bedside and a copy of T.V. Guide. She refused to visit us in the country for fear of bears. Both of my grandpa’s ran off. But I think in her own odd way, the love was there. Beautiful writing- thank you.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you for the compliment and for reading! “My Grandma had a sherry bottle at her bedside and a copy of T.V. Guide.” I love that. There’s a story there, I just know it.

      Like

  13. From an ink smeared page Avatar

    Your grandparents sound like an incredible couple. What a great legacy they have given you!

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      They really are. They were together since my grandma was 17, and an inspiration to me always. Thank you!

      Like

  14. imagesister Avatar

    Very well written really made me think about my own Grandma too

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar
  15. seeker Avatar

    You like words and words like these are meant to be uttered. Beautiful.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      What a compliment! Thanks so much!

      Like

  16. bikerchick57 Avatar

    Such beautiful and fond memories of your grandparents. I’m sorry about your grandfather, but it’s very apparent that your memories of him give you peace of heart. Lovely story and congrats on being pressed.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you. He had Alzheimer’s, so I like to remember him as he once was, you know?

      As to being pressed – I’m glad they chose this one, and thanks!

      Like

  17. framedwacko Avatar

    Beautifully written

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar
  18. tgsalas Avatar

    This is beutiful!

    Like

  19. heather v Avatar

    I love writings about memories, and I have a special relationship with my grandmother and her precious things, too. Embroidered gloves, beautiful scarves, costume jewelry. Thanks 🙂

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      It really is magical, isn’t it, to experience those slices of their lives, from before they were Gram and Pop? Thank you for reading and commenting!

      Like

  20. Mal Keeble Avatar

    Wonderful words and images.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you! That photo is my Pop and I holding hands right before he passed. And now I’m crying! Ah, this is hard! Thank you so much for reading and for letting me know you liked it.

      Like

      1. Mal Keeble Avatar

        My pleasure and I didn’t mean to make you cry. And I realised after I posted the comment, by images I meant the picture you created with the words. Instantly I could see my grandmother’s room…memories from long ago.

        Like

        1. Steph Avatar

          It wasn’t you – this post just means a lot to me and I’m super-emotional about it, lol! Thank you again!

          Like

  21. Granny Squares of Love Avatar

    Beautiful!

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar
  22. Life and Other Turbulence Avatar

    Beautiful tribute…heartfelt and so moving. I can feel your pain, as I’ve experienced the same. It’s hard.. Keep on writing! That’s helps.
    Sending you all good wishes.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you, I appreciate that. You’re right, writing does help. Be well!

      Like

  23. lesliequintanar Avatar

    Thank you for sharing what was clearly such an intimate part of your life. I enjoyed reading it

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you! I had a hard time deciding whether to post this – but in the end I’m glad that I did.

      Like

  24. Laxman Prajapati Avatar
  25. piyushpujara Avatar

    I love your blog and i also miss my..

    🙂

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Much appreciated. 🙂

      Like

      1. piyushpujara Avatar

        Thank you so much dear..

        🙂

        Like

  26. cidreck Avatar

    Worth a read. Inspiring!

    Like

  27. profemate Avatar

    Le tue parole mi hanno commosso. Ancora di più la foto. Grazie di ciò che hai scritto.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      “Your words moved me. Even more picture. Thank you for what you’ve written.”

      Thank you!

      Like

  28. Abi Avatar

    Beautiful and lively 🙂

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.

      Like

  29. nagamani123 Avatar

    beautiful memories

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      So thankful for them! Thanks for reading!

      Like

  30. trishnanamchoom Avatar

    wow! its a really beautiful piece! loved it.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      *blushing* Thanks. I worked really hard on it.

      Like

  31. missdawn96 Avatar

    Beautiful! Reminds me of how much i adore my own lovely nanna.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thanks. Yay for Nannas and Grams and Pops!

      Like

      1. missdawn96 Avatar

        Not a problem 🙂 exactly! Such wisdom too. I love every single one of her somewhat lengthy stories and memories. Wouldn’t know what to do without her ❤

        Like

  32. mastersheart Avatar

    Your words paint pictures for me. Just beautiful!

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you so much! What a lovely compliment.

      Like

  33. odd20somethingfemale Avatar

    Love this. evoked memories of my childhood. Add a rosary and a statue of mother Mary and its almost word perfect. Except the grandfather part. His memory was maintained by a portrait
    .

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading!

      Like

    1. Steph Avatar
  34. nicrahul Avatar

    Reblogged this on Curious eye and commented:
    The care and love which grand parents could give…. is more valuable than any other thing in the world.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Very true. Thank you!

      Like

  35. Sheila Avatar

    You captured good memories and two slightly different worlds beautifully. It reminds me of my grandmother and her big beads of rosary by her pillow

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you so much!

      Like

  36. debra colby Avatar

    Thank you for sharing your memories. The love you had for them both shines right through your words.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Aw, thank you! I’m so glad.

      Like

    2. booboojing Avatar

      Thia made me miss my gramps so much.. My feisty Jade, whom left us three years ago and wound from her passing is still so raw.

      Grandparents are the best peeps in life and should be cherished every single day.

      Like

      1. Steph Avatar

        I agree! Sorry it took so long to respond, somehow I missed this one!

        Like

        1. booboojing Avatar

          It’s all right. I had since channelled all those energy to my parents. I guess the older you get, the more you value kinship.

          Like

  37. Penny Thoughts Avatar

    Beautifully written!! Just about brought a tear to my eye. Such sweet memories captured in your words. Certainly worthy of being Freshly Pressed!

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Wow, thank you so much! What kind words.

      Like

  38. herongrace Avatar

    My grandparents were my favourite people when I was a child. I loved their house with its uncluttered elegance.
    Some of their furniture was big dark, turned wood with a distinct smell which I can recall but have never smelled anywhere else.
    As kids we loved staying there. It had old fashioned charm, but also a Narnia hint, that you might just enter a magical world through those big wardrobes.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      That sounds just lovely. Grandparents really are magical.

      Like

  39. waiting4theright Avatar

    Beautiful post!!

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar
  40. hayleyroderick Avatar

    Love this post , so touching 🙂

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thanks for reading!

      Like

  41. thedaughterdiaries Avatar

    This was lovely. Couldn’t help but be moved. I never really knew any of my grandparents, so I suspect I missed out on a lot. Thanks for sharing.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it, and you’re welcome. Are there any “memories” anywhere that you could pilfer through? I suspect at least half my Pop’s stories were made up, but those were the best ones anyway. 🙂

      Like

  42. Kaye Avatar

    I absolutely loved this. You captured the settings and feelings beautifully.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      You made me smile, so thank YOU for reading and commenting!

      Like

  43. dumbestblogger Avatar

    Thanks for being vulnerable on this one. I don’t know that I could write something this personal.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      You’re welcome and thank you. I originally couldn’t decide if I was going to post it or not – but now I’m glad I did.

      Like

  44. littlemisssunshine1312 Avatar

    I can relate to that. Beautiful (‘:

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      Thank you! 🙂

      Like

  45. Prez Of MisfitKidz Avatar

    I love this article, I can relate to it as well. You made me think of my grandmother and I cherish my grandmother a lot.

    Like

    1. Steph Avatar

      That’s awesome! Thanks!

      Like

  46. sunsinsweden Avatar

    Really beautiful – I wanted more! haha Thanks for sharing!

    Like

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