gift for Gramma

We got together yesterday

to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family

(with my mom - not to be confused with celebrating Christmas

with my side of the family - with my Dad, which we did on Friday)

I had a really hard time coming up with a gift for my Grandma.

She needs nothing.

And about all she wants is sweets

but she really shouldn't have sweets. 

A few years ago

she had a mini stroke

and her memory has really suffered because of it.

She used to be able to fix anything

and she was a whiz with machines and computers.

Now

she doesn't even turn her computer on.

I feel bad admitting it,

but when I still hadn't come up with a gift

by Saturday evening,

I just decided

 no gift.

I told myself she wouldn't remember if I'd given her anything or not,

so it was no biggie.

I felt kinda bad about it,

but I'm not one to spend money

on junk somebody doesn't need

or even want

all in the name of 'gift-giving'.

I woke up Sunday

still feeling like a heel

but reminded myself, "She won't remember tomorrow..."

And it hit me.

She won't remember.

But I do.

And so I thought I'd just  type up a few memories and print them off.

maybe I could buy a frame on the way.....

Then I saw a jar in my kitchen

a tall skinny jar

perfect for strips of paper

and I knew what I was supposed to do.

A month of memories.

I'm not sure what the gift will mean to Gramma

but I am so glad I gave her this.

It was a gift to me, too! 

I realized what a wonderful Grandma she has been

and that many of my memories

are tied to her.

If I can be half the grandma to my sweet grandkids

as she has been to hers,

I'll be doin' just fine.

****

Gramma Joyce called as I was finishing up this post.

She sounded 10 years younger 

and didn't have that whine in her voice

"I just read my first memory and I wanted to share it with you...."

And she read the first of 31 strips of paper.

and then she said,

"I remember."

I love you, Gramma!!