In Memoriam: Grandma Games

Photo by Colin Davis on Unsplash

My last living grandparent passed this week. It was expected as she was 96 and she lived a wonderfully long and full life, but it still stings.

My kids were blessed to know and spend time with her. She'd stand watch while they swam and always had hot chocolate and a snuggle ready if they got cold. She taught my daughters to crochet, and, at the graduation of each of her grandkids, she presented them with a crocheted blanket. I know I treasure mine dearly and think of her when I snuggle under its warmth.

Many decades ago, she would spoil my brother and I when we spent the night at the farm and always fixed our favorite breakfast dish: strawberry crepes. The bedroom we stayed in was upstairs, so, when we'd wake, it was to the delicious aroma of crepes browning in a pan. She always had lots of powdered sugar! Later, as an adult, when we were camping together in Sandpoint, I'd sneak out of my family's campsite early, as to not wake my kids, and go spend a half hour with her over a cup of coffee. She had beautiful clear glass coffee mugs. When you poured in the cream, it would swirl and look so pretty. She was the ultimate barista before such a term existed.

Not only did I learn from her work ethic while helping in the garden, the orchard, and around the house and the kitchen during harvest, I learned how to play games from her. Many, many card and board games. My grandfather was a good strategist and often won when he had time in the evening to sit down with us, (we later found out he had no qualms about cheating), but grandma played to have fun. Uno, Skipbo, Kings in the Corner. Chicken Foot, Mexican Train, Sorry, Scrabble, Rummikub. Pass the Pigs. She had the patience of a saint teaching four- and five-year-olds how to play. And she always did it with a smile, especially when her game strategy let the littles win. She could be sneaky and we had to think fast to beat her when we got older. Popcorn, apples, nuts, and often ice cream accompanied game time throughout the years.

Enjoying the garden. Photo by S. St. George.

We fought to sit beside her in church because she always had a small tablet and pen in a ruthlessly organized purse. She'd play Tic-Tac-Toe and Hangman with us if we were quiet. She would also carry Life Savers and gum. Her creative car games made long trips easier.

I know when we all meet again, we'll have the best time reuniting over the game board and card deck. Until then, hug your loved ones and invite them to sit around the table and play a few rounds. It's amazing how much laughter and conversation ensues and how many memories are made when the screens are put away and we focus on people.

At the end of a visit or phone call she'd remind us, "Remember how much you're loved." It was her mantra. She told us every time. We do, Grandma. Thank you for making sure we remember.