Sometimes I drive to the Walmart in Springville even though there is one in Orem. I pass up coveted parking spots on the grounds that it is too awkward because the neighboring car has people in it. I avoid going to people's houses because I don't want to meet their roommates or family. Simply put, I like my space. I don't hate people, but I'd rather observe them from a distance than actually chat with them. My roommate says I am intimidating, but really, I think I'm just antisocial. I like people in small doses and not on a daily basis.
Despite my antisocial tendencies, I met a friend the other day. She is old. And short. And round. She wears glasses and those orthopedic shoes with extra grip rubber soles. She has veins that stick out on the backs of her hands. I love hands like that. She was on the edge of her even-if-you-tried-to-slip-you-couldn't, rubber soled shoes and reaching for a box of Pepperidge Farms Thin Mints a shelf and a half above her vein-ridden hands. I saw her from about half the aisle down and, against my usual self, I walked over to her. She laughed and asked if I would get her a box; I did as she asked. She raised an eyebrow at the box and said, "Well, that's about enough for a skinny person. Pass me two more, will ya?" I liked this woman. I passed her two more, smiled, turned around and walked away--never to see her again.
This old woman, with the veins in her hands and the velcro shoes, reminded me of my grandmother. My grandma Connie is a special woman. I see her as my second mother. She lives on a few miles away, so I grew up with her. She was my sunbeam primary teacher. She was my Achievement Day leader and she is always my friend. Even though I've been moved away from home for almost 4 years now, she still calls me. I don't think she'll ever know how much I love her phone calls. She is kind. I've never heard her speak a misjudged, ill word about anyone. She rarely swears, and she always says "I love you" when leaving. She is one of the most well-read people I know. You've never had toast till you've had my grandmother's toast.
The point is, I miss my grandma. I love and admire her. I was happy to help somebody's grandmother get a box of Thin Mints, and I hope someone helps mine get a box two as well.
First grade; second row, far right
8th grade; back row, far left
Gold and Green Ball; second from the left
And still as beautiful as ever.
I love you, Grandma Connie.
2 comments:
i feel like i would love grandma connie. and your new friend too. this makes me feel better about the bag of jelly beans i ate at your house the other day.
Thanks Carlie for writing this. It made me think of how much I miss our grandma! She is the best and sweetest person I know and I hope others are considerate to her because she deserves the world. I wish i could be closer to her as well.
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