When I think of my Grandma Moore I think of a lady who embodied the lessons Jesus taught us about loving each other, caring for our family, and living a true Christian life. She taught us all how to give without ever thinking about receiving.
Shirley was the ultimate Grandma! She was the happiest when she had a baby in her arms. I look at all of our pictures and see that true twinkle in her eyes when that little bundle lay peacefully in her arms and know that I am looking at unconditional love! She also loved to be the ultimate spoiler of the grand children and great grandchildren. She made sure to be the first to give a baby the taste of pure sugar in the form of ice cream or even Tiramisu in the case of her first great Grandchild… who to this day cannot pass up the chance to eat this delicious dessert.
My cousins and I are all blessed to have had the best Grandma who would NEVER say NO. We could ask her for cookies, we could ask her to look at old photos, we could even ask to put on her wedding dress and each time we were given the answer of YES. Although the SOX and Cardinals fans were allowed in the family circle, they were always reminded of her loyalty to the CUBs would not change… Even when ornaments of these championship teams secretly found a place on her Christmas tree. Grandma loved us all regardless of any disagreements where we did not see eye to eye.
Grandma was a connector. She kept an enormous network of family linked together. She not only had 6 children of her own as well as each of their spouses but also 17 grandchildren and 18 great grand-children and counting. Beyond this immediate family she was so close to her own siblings and their families.
The things I will forever be thankful for are the lessons grandma instilled in all who were willing to listen. She always wanted us to play nice and not be mad at anyone. She made sure we knew that family had to come first! But her ultimate lesson was about the expression of love:
“If you love someone, tell him or her. Forget about the rules or the fear of looking ridiculous. What is truly ridiculous is passing up on the opportunity to tell someone that your heart is invested in him or her.”
I end with a poem that I found on the day she died which has carried me to this moment because it speaks all the feelings I felt on that day!
Grandma,
With the gift of years
Comes the treasure of knowing
That there are many who love you dearly.
The memories you’ve made with us
Will last forever.
The tenderness you’ve shared with us
will never fade.
The most wonderful gift you could ever give
Is the special part of you
That now lives in each of us.
And the truth your love has taught us
Can only be strengthened
by the gift of time…
For where the roots grow deep,
Memories grow
Forever.
I love you Grandma!
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