Our parents give us life.
Our grandparents give us a sense of who we are and where we came from.
This week, as we say goodbye to Grandma Margaret, I find myself reflecting on just how fortunate I have been to have her in my life for as long as I did. Not only did I have her with me, but she was an essential, cherished part of my world.
It’s rare to have a grandparent-grandchild relationship that is so deeply intertwined and enduring, but then again, Grandma Margaret was one-of-a-kind, someone who made every single day count.
Until her later years, my grandmother had an energy and zest for life that I’ve rarely seen in anyone else. She wasn’t just living; she was thriving. I’ll never forget when, in her 70s, she visited me in New York City. While I was exhausted after a day of sightseeing, she was still brimming with excitement, asking, “What’s next?” She had this insatiable appetite for life—whether it was trying new foods, exploring new places, or simply being with her family.
Grandma Margaret was the heart of our family. She baked, cooked, babysat, and spent countless hours at our side. She celebrated our victories, comforted us in our struggles, and was always present, always part of our everyday lives. As a child, I remember hearing friends talk about their grandparents who lived far away and thinking, “I’m so lucky to have mine here, always close, always near.”
That constant presence shapes you in ways you don’t fully understand until you’re older. Grandparents teach you not just about history, but about love, about patience, and about the enduring strength of family bonds.
One of my favorite memories with Grandma Margaret was our annual tradition of baking Christmas cookies. She would let me pick the shapes, and we’d spend hours cutting, baking, and decorating. She never scolded me for sneaking too much icing or eating the dough. Instead, she’d laugh and tell me that the best cookies were always made with a little “extra taste-testing.” Those afternoons weren’t just about cookies; they were about creating memories, about showing love in the simplest and sweetest ways.
My grandmother had a quiet elegance about her—a grace that made her beloved by everyone she met. People often commented on how kind and genuine she was, and I can’t recall a single person who ever spoke ill of her. She had a way of making everyone feel special, loved, and welcome.
And, of course, her cooking was legendary. From her homemade pies to her perfectly seasoned roast chicken, everything she made seemed touched by magic. I once tried to replicate her famous apple pie. She shared her recipe, but my version just wasn’t the same. “It’s because I didn’t give you the secret ingredient,” she said with a wink. When I pressed her, she smiled and said, “Love.”
Grandma Margaret was also a storyteller. She could spin tales about her childhood, about growing up in a different time, and about the family members who came before us. Her stories weren’t just entertaining—they were lessons in resilience, courage, and kindness. Through her, I learned about the sacrifices and joys of generations past, and I came to understand the roots that have shaped who I am today.
In her later years, even as her health began to decline, her spirit remained as strong as ever. She found joy in the little things—a sunny day, a visit from her grandchildren, a good book. She reminded us all to slow down, to appreciate life, and to find beauty in the everyday.
Grandma Margaret, you were more than just a grandmother. You were a mentor, a role model, and a best friend. You taught me what it means to love unconditionally, to give without expecting anything in return, and to face life with grace and courage.
You’ve left an indelible mark on my heart and on the hearts of everyone who knew you. You’ve shaped not only who I am but also who my children will grow to be. Your legacy will live on in all of us, in the lessons you taught, in the love you gave, and in the memories we will treasure forever.
I will always carry a part of you with me, Grandma. There will never be a day when I don’t think of you and miss you. But I find comfort in knowing that your love, your wisdom, and your spirit will continue to guide us.
Thank you for everything, Grandma. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and we will miss you every day of our lives.
