Slice of Life is sponsored every Tuesday by Stacey and Ruth from Two Writing Teachers.
 |
| Vel, my grandma, and Vel's husband - Wick |
Today I
heard the news I knew was coming, but dreaded anyway. A family friend had
passed away. I call her a family friend even though I really just thought of
her as family. We were her family, she was ours. And while her last few years
have not been what she would have wanted – aging and Alzheimer’s will do that
to a person – that doesn’t diminish the amazing life she led.
And so,
as I sat down in writing workshop to write
beside my students today, little nod to Penny Kittle there, I had a few
memories flood in about the amazing person that Vel was. I felt like I needed
to share, needed to put this out there. Vel was not a person to seek the
limelight, but I want to remember her anyway. Vel was a teacher in the 50’s, an
elementary principal after that. She married Wick, who taught PE. They both
love antiques, reading, a good story, and Door County. Wick passed away several years ago. I
smiled today with the idea that maybe they are together now, sharing stories,
and catching up.
For Vel
I
remember…
The shock
of flaming red hair.
Her arrow
straight posture.
The
impeccable wardrobe, Burberry.
The stern
temperament but, at the same time,
The quiet
interest she’d take in you.
How in a
conversation you felt listened to.
Words…
Educator
Administrator
Reader
Things…
Her
infamous mac and cheese.
The way
she and Wick would pick out antiques.
Her love
of Pepperidge Farm cookies.
Stories…
Meeting
my granddad and Col.
How they
brought her home to their wives.
Her comparison
of marriage to WWII - hilarious.
And how
she’d greet you.
Walking
into family gatherings.
Her gaze
would lock in on yours.
And you’d hear the words you were waiting for,
And you’d hear the words you were waiting for,
But
hadn’t even realized it.
“Hello,
friend.”
Godspeed, Vel. We'll miss you.
