It is difficult to capture a single memory of Grandma because they flood the mind and heart.  It is even more difficult to sum them up in a few written words.  

I remembered how she would take me golfing, bowling, or to exercise and afterwards would ask "How about a sandwich?" I would always say yes, and she would pick a place, usually McDonald's on Tallmadge Circle or Arby's at Graham and Hudson Dr.  I think she always had a coupon in her purse and would keep it simple; a sandwich, side, and drink.  This experience felt like a signature move for her and and one that has always stuck out in my mind with a significance not easily understood or explained. 

I remember her laugh and how her lower jaw would drop with every chuckle, and make it impossible for you to resist sharing in her joy. I think she had an endless supply of laughter stuffed inside her.  I've never met anyone whose default was such happiness, pleasantness, and politeness. 

Approaching the holiday season I can't help but remember the time I seemingly convinced her to give me a Christmas present early.  This coincided with an outing to see a performance of The Nutcracker at The Civic Theatre.  So she gave me this Timex digital watch with an indigo backlight and I remember almost the exact seat I was sitting in, toward the front of the darkened theatre, playing with the backlight on this watch throughout most of the performance.  One of the coolest presents ever! I was thrilled.  She was always on target with her Christmas shopping.  

Ah, and when she would put butter on my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Not my favorite combination, quite an unpleasant surprise for my school-aged self.  But I sure loved her taking care of us in the mornings and seeing us off to school.  

...Walking over from her apartment on Christmas mornings to watch us open presents.  I was always so concerned about her not having anything to open because she had opened all of her gifts the night before on Christmas Eve.  

...How she would always save the bows off of gifts. 

...Grocery shopping on Fridays.

...The snack cupboard in her kitchen.  I have decided that the night I sleptwalked out of my room, out of my house, through the front yard, and to her driveway where I woke up occurred becasue I was hungry and wanted a snack.  

...She routinely alternated her furniture layout.  I remember being concerned that she was moving her couch, and bed, and all of that large furniture by herself and wondering why she wouldn't call us to help.  I didn't realize at that time how incredibly capable and hardworking she has always been.  Those who have known her better and longer than me will certainly say "of course she was!"

...Ooh! And her breakfast of bacon, toast, sunnyside up eggs, and orange juice was the best! She would cook the bacon, then in the grease left in the skillet she would cook an egg, scooping hot grease over the top to help cook it.  

Feel free to correct my memory if I am off a little bit. 

The list goes on and on.