When I think of Grandmama …

When I see tobasco – I think of a story Grandmama told about covering her food in it to prove woman can eat spicy food.

When I see delicious food – I think of how good her cooking was; I remember making a mini-apple pie with Grandmama, with an M on top … just for me.

When I see flowers, I think of Grandmama telling me NOT to pick them from her garden.

When I hear boogie woogie music, I remember her nickname ‘Boogie’.

When I see a Jack Russell or a Sheep-dog, I think of all the stories she told about Trudie, Lulu and Potts.

When I learn about the 2nd World War, I remember all Grandmama’s stories. Especially when she’d refuse to go into the bomb shelter so that she could watch the bombers overhead.

When I go to my boys’ school, I think of the fun she had at her boys’ school and how she said she hated it when she moved to an all girls’ school.

When I hear something in the distance, I think of her telling me that I have the same sensitive hearing as she had.

And whenever I am told to SPEAK QUIETLY, I remember I have the same Loud Voice as Grandmama.

I remember listening to all the stories she told. Now I can hear them again from Grandpère.

And now, when I have a problem Grandmama, I feel you’re still with me to help me answer it.

Grandmama, I’ll never forget you. I miss you.

By Marthe de Ferrer