My Grandma

**legs2021** · 10-29-2007 02:17 AM

Ok... had to share this with everyone. Sorry if you don't feel the same way.

so :p

My grandma's name was Wilma Stella (Watkins) Taylor. She was born September 19, 1931 (approximately, because she didn't have an official birth certificate until she was enrolled in grade school). She married Leo Hale Taylor, October 2, 1949. They renewed their vows for their 25th wedding anniversary, October 2, 1974. And she was escorted into Heaven by her husband on October 1, 2005, one day before, what would have been her 57th wedding anniversary.

She was the strongest woman I have ever met. She was mother to 5 children, 4 by birth and 1 by adoption. She had 7 grandchildren, and at the time of her passing, had 7 great-grandchildren. She endured living through the Great Depression, raising children, overcame an illness that should have killed her, and grandchildren that would have probably made most women of her time faint on sight. She endured heart-break and still loved freely and completely. She tried to teach all of her children to love, fight, forgive, accept and endure. She was the quintessential Matriarch of our family. She was the rock that held our family together in times of trouble and she continued to grow in love and life until she left us.

She had traditional family values and wasn't one to be quick to a fight, but if provoked be prepared to face a wrath you've never seen before. She was never one to ask for anything. She could tickle you with the faintest touch. She had the warmest hugs. She had the friendliest smile. Not to mention, she was an amazing cook.

She was one of the biggest influences in my life. She helped teach me to cook. It’s because of her that I love to throw parties and organize gatherings. She showed me how. No matter what I did, she never seemed to give up on me – my cousin or my brother. And between the three of us, she should have had several heart attacks. But we were her most loyal. She showed us how to love and come together. She did her best to show us how to rely on each other. And eventually, it worked. She believed in us. That made us love her even more. If we could have repaid her for everything she taught us – we’d still be in debt to her. But that didn’t stop us from trying.

You never realize how much the little things mean to someone until someone else points them out. I was at the store with my mom today and she accidentally shocked me on the butt and for some reason that made me think of my grandma. We’d be in the middle of Wal-mart there in town and she’d walk past and goose you for no reason and then smile. Today I couldn’t help but wonder if she would be proud of me and what I’m doing. My mom told me that one of grandma’s philosophies on life was “You do whatever you have to, to take care of your family.” She said “And, that’s what you’re doing. What you’re doing isn’t easy. No one expected you to jump off a cliff in order to take care of your kids, but that’s what was necessary – and its hard work, but you’re doing it. You’re working hard. And that’s what she did. Work hard and take care of your family.”

I continue to believe that had I not turned my life over to God, I would not have had the strength to be where I am now, doing what I’m doing now. But, I’m pretty sure that my grandma is sitting in the wings gently nudging me and guiding me, along with my mother, to be as strong a woman as they are. I want to be like them. I can only hope to be even half of the women they are to me.

Grandma, I hope I make you proud.

**KuRoSaKi** · 10-29-2007 03:41 AM

Wow Amber, while reading that it made me think of my Grandmother who is almost ready to leave. It never ceases to amaze me how a single individual can have such an impact on the people that they come into contact with. I can see that you truly had much love for your Grandmother as it shows in your kind and heart felt words you spoke of her.

**Xox** · 10-29-2007 03:47 AM

That was really nice Amber. I know exactly what you are saying, I have someone like, who is my mom. She influence me just like your grandmother influences you. I know what you're saying. It was a really nice thing you wrote!

**Clairity** · 10-29-2007 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by legs2021

Grandma, I hope I make you proud.

You have.. and you just did.

**Oneironaut Zero** · 10-29-2007 03:53 AM

Yeah, that was really touching, legs. I know how exactly how you feel, though. Certainly without giving the backseat to my grandmother, my mom is the one that invokes all those feelings with me. She's honestly the most amazing woman that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, for more reasons than I could even think to name right now. Wednesday was the 2nd anniversary of my dad's death and, though his death was devastating to both my mom and I, I could not even imagine would it would be like to lose her. About 60% of my life was lived under her wing, even when her and my dad weren't together, and I saw, every day, how much she sacrificed for me and the morals she instilled in me. Everyone that I even know is acquainted with her, is practically amazed by her, myself included. Words can't even describe. But, yeah, I definitely know how you feel. It just provokes a sense of awe when you stop and think how remarkable one person can really be, and it makes you want to do whatever you can to know that you are living up to their standard, and making them proud.

**legs2021** · 10-29-2007 03:54 AM

Originally Posted by Clairity

You have.. and you just did.

Thank you Clarity. You made me cry....

**Clairity** · 10-29-2007 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by legs2021

Thank you Clarity. You made me cry....

(from your Grandma and me)

**legs2021** · 10-29-2007 04:14 AM

Originally Posted by Clairity

(from your Grandma and me)

damnit!! That's twice now!

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I'm so glad that you all have someone in your life that invokes such feelings of love and gratitude.

I miss my grandma.

**Xox** · 10-29-2007 04:24 AM

Originally Posted by legs2021

damnit!! That's twice now!

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I'm so glad that you all have someone in your life that invokes such feelings of love and gratitude.

I miss my grandma.

Hopefully, she's in a better place.

**Jeff777** · 10-29-2007 09:16 AM

Reading through this made me realize how neglectful I've been to those that love me the most, especially the ones who are closest to heaven. You had an awesome relationship with your grandmother, one which I will someday sum up the courage to try and create with my own. I had two grandmothers, one of them always wanted me to visit more often and stay a night at her house so she could be with her grandson she rarely saw...she died without that wish of hers being fulfilled. Your grandmother is definitely in a better place and if anything this should be a gentle reminder for everyone not to let matters of the heart go unsaid, for we never know if they'll still be here when ready ready to say it.

Edit: Damn you al, trying to make a grown man cry...

**legs2021** · 10-29-2007 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Oneironaut_Jeff777

Reading through this made me realize how neglectful I've been to those that love me the most, especially the ones who are closest to heaven. You had an awesome relationship with your grandmother, one which I will someday sum up the courage to try and create with my own. I had two grandmothers, one of them always wanted me to visit more often and stay a night at her house so she could be with her grandson she rarely saw...she died without that wish of hers being fulfilled. Your grandmother is definitely in a better place and if anything this should be a gentle reminder for everyone not to let matters of the heart go unsaid, for we never know if they'll still be here when ready ready to say it.

Edit: Damn you al, trying to make a grown man cry...

I'm telling you, don't wait. I'll bet she has enough courage for the both of you, and she'd love to share that with you. Grandma's are like that.

And there's nothing wrong with a grown man crying - a little, hehe...

**skysaw** · 10-30-2007 04:07 PM

I lost my wonderful grandmother two years ago. I was fortunate enough that she had the health to come down to my wedding, and we have some wonderful new memories in photographs of her.

When she passed, I was writing a piano concerto, and I ended up writing the second movement of it dedicated to her. If you're curious, here it is:

Autumn Concerto: II - The Same Tree

Each of the three movements represent another facet of Autumn. I call this movement "The Same Tree" as it represents our family tree that had lost another leaf. Even though the leaves turn and fall, the tree is still there in all its beauty and strength.

**Clairity** · 10-30-2007 06:36 PM

skysaw, a very moving piece.

**legs2021** · 10-30-2007 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by skysaw

I lost my wonderful grandmother two years ago. I was fortunate enough that she had the health to come down to my wedding, and we have some wonderful new memories in photographs of her.

When she passed, I was writing a piano concerto, and I ended up writing the second movement of it dedicated to her. If you're curious, here it is:

Autumn Concerto: II - The Same Tree

Each of the three movements represent another facet of Autumn. I call this movement "The Same Tree" as it represents our family tree that had lost another leaf. Even though the leaves turn and fall, the tree is still there in all its beauty and strength.

I tried to listen to the music, but when I clicked on the link it said Internet explorer can not find the page. And, I can't read sheet music. I'd love to hear it tho.

**ClouD** · 10-30-2007 07:25 PM

Need quicktime.

I agree it is moving, and so expressive.

**legs2021** · 10-30-2007 08:16 PM

ok... where do i get that? i guess i'll google it when i get home from school tonight... *writes that down on her list of things to do.*

**skysaw** · 10-30-2007 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Clairity

skysaw, a very moving piece.

Thank you, Clarity. I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by legs2021

I tried to listen to the music, but when I clicked on the link it said Internet explorer can not find the page. And, I can't read sheet music. I'd love to hear it tho.

Legs, the link is to the mp3 of the file, not sheet music (though the sheet music is available on my site). You don't need quicktime to hear it, any program that plays mp3s should work, including Windows Media Player. I'm not sure why your browser wouldn't download it. What are you using?

Originally Posted by cloudWalker

I agree it is moving, and so expressive.

Thanks Cloud. If you guys want to hear the whole concerto, it is on my site linked in my signature.

**legs2021** · 10-31-2007 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by skysaw

Legs, the link is to the mp3 of the file, not sheet music (though the sheet music is available on my site). You don't need quicktime to hear it, any program that plays mp3s should work, including Windows Media Player. I'm not sure why your browser wouldn't download it. What are you using?

I have windows media player... but i have vista... it's pissy about stuff. I don't know why it won't work.

**Wavefunction** · 10-31-2007 06:26 AM

Try right clicking the link and clicking Save Target As... and then open the file from there. Vista doesn't always like opening files directly from the internet, for security reasons I guess.

**legs2021** · 10-31-2007 07:13 AM

I'll try that.

thanks webmaster

**Wavefunction** · 10-31-2007 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by legs2021

I'll try that.

thanks webmaster

No problem. I'll be on for another few minutes so if that doens't work just post. It's really good by the way, skysaw

**legs2021** · 10-31-2007 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by skysaw

I lost my wonderful grandmother two years ago. I was fortunate enough that she had the health to come down to my wedding, and we have some wonderful new memories in photographs of her.

When she passed, I was writing a piano concerto, and I ended up writing the second movement of it dedicated to her. If you're curious, here it is:

Autumn Concerto: II - The Same Tree

Each of the three movements represent another facet of Autumn. I call this movement "The Same Tree" as it represents our family tree that had lost another leaf. Even though the leaves turn and fall, the tree is still there in all its beauty and strength.

skysaw, this has to be one of the most beautiful pieces i've heard lately. that's awesome and my hat is off to you for your creativity.

**skysaw** · 11-01-2007 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by legs2021

skysaw, this has to be one of the most beautiful pieces i've heard lately. that's awesome and my hat is off to you for your creativity.

Thank you, legs! I really appreciate it. She was a very special person, and deserved something beautiful.

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