Gramms

My gramma died on monday evening. She was 96 years young, and up until about 2 years ago, was still spunky and spirited as anyone. She lived an inspiring life...living it by example, never wanting praise for anything. She raised 11 beautiful children, burying one. She lost her husband over 20 years ago but never seemed broken by it. Margaret was tough, a stiff upper-lipped Norweigan. She worked when she was tired; she sewed even though her fingers were worn; she made feasts for her family when there was little to put on the table; she believed in education, advocating her children's schooling, while fighting judgement for her decisions. I knew her as a go-getter, a feminist in her own way, a tireless gramma, a lover of life, a lover of folks dear to her heart. I never knew her to be fearful; she just did what needed to be done because it needed to be done. She lived in the present. She lived in the now, while not forgetting where she came from or the people from her past who helped shape her. Growing up, I aspired to live my life the way she lived her's: to be a hard worker without complaint, to sacrifice for family, to remain physically and mentally active, to live life every day, to love life every day. And from her example, I learned it was okay to be who I wanted to be; it was okay do what I wanted to do...to do what made me happy. Margaret had a remarkable soul. I will take her with on my life journey, to help guide me, to give me comfort, to continue inspiring me. I won't need to miss her for she lives on in her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is alive in my heart and memories. She leaves quite a legacy, one I'm proud to belong to.