Grandma Wallner

My great grandmother passed away last night. I haven’t seen her in a few years; she and my grandfather were getting up in age and a little bit of dementia had set in, so my great uncle put them in a home close to his so he could be near them and help.

I know that she was having a hard time keeping me straight – confusing me with the other grandchildren – the last time I saw her. The one thing I remember about my grandmother, and that I will always remember, was how regal she seemed to me. She was of that golden era where they wore lots of striking makeup, plenty of perfume and were dripping in jewels – real or not. Going over to her home was like stepping into a dress up movie. She had the vanity tray with many beautiful, ornate perfume bottles on it, along with beautiful hair brushes. Hers was one of those homes where young children aren’t allowed to touch much – all the furniture and pieces are beautiful and antique. She always let me go into her bedroom and look and play with all the perfume, jewelry and makeup. She had so much costume jewelry that it was like being backstage at a Vegas show. I adored going over there.

Grandma – thank you for the memories. I miss you already.