When I was a little girl living in SC, my Grandma Denson's house was the place I remember most. Between my parents spending years breaking up/making up and moving to a different house or apartment every 6 months, I loved it when we got to stay at Grandma's house. The house seemed more than large enough to fit all of the cousins, aunts/uncles, and anyone else that gathered there. It's funny how, as kids, we see things so differently (that house was actually quite small).
My siblings and I often talk about how Christmas 1987 was our favorite Christmas. We still even watch the home video every few years. That Christmas, my Mom and us kids and all of her siblings and their kids stayed at Grandma/Grandpa Denson's house. There was probably 18 people piled in that living room at some point. Grandma did everything possible to make sure we enjoyed our time there. And we always did.
I think Grandma loved having us there (as much as we probably wouldn't settle down). She was always so generous, not only with her family, but with everyone. As I got older, I saw this more and more.
When I was 18, my nephew, Kannon, was born. Grandma Denson flew out to meet her 1st great-grandson. She insisted on giving all of us kids a gift of our choice while she was there. But what I will always remember about her visit is a day we had lunch at Ruby Tuesday. LJ and I took her to lunch and she knew the Braves were playing. Out west, the Braves weren't at all a popular team, but Grandma was a huge fan (and the reason I will always have Braves love). She called the manager over and insisted he not only turn the TV channel to the game, but move the TV so she could see the game while we ate. LJ and I were so entertained by her insistance with the manager because the look on his face was priceless. I'm sure he wasn't used to an ouspoken 65-year old southern woman.
In 2005, my Mom, sisters, and I flew to SC to visit family. We spent a few days at Myrtle Beach and took Grandma with us. Nina and I made it our mission to make her comfortable on the beach. We got her a beach chair with an umbrella, some sunglasses, and sunblock. We helped her put the sunblock on and set her down in her chair in the sand. She said she'd never felt so pampered and spoiled. She was amazing like that, appriciating the smalles gestures.
My last picture I have with her is from the day I got married.
Grandma Denson was 74 years old when she passed away. I guess I can consider myself and our family lucky that we got the chance to say goodbye. The most important thing to her was her children and grandchildren. It showed in everything she did. She is my childhood memories of what a Grandma is supposed to be and I will always love and cherish her. See ya on the other side, Grandma.
I loved this post! Thanks for sharing some of your memories.
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