Memorial Day Memories

On this Memorial Day, I wish to share with you some memories of the ones I've lost who are so very dear to me. Grandpa Clifford Ward, aka CW, 14th of March, 1989. I remember Grandpa's hugs. He gave the best hugs ever. He would squeeze you so tight, but not so tight that you couldn't breathe, but tight enough that you felt safe and welcome.
Grandma Nellie Pyrah, 19th of April, 1990. I remember Grandma being at this little apartment in Richfield where Mom and Aunt Sis would take turns taking care of her. Occasionally, I was able to stay the night on the floor next to my mom's bed while Grandma was out in the living room in her hospital bed. I remember Grandma's smile. She had one of the most wonderful smiles ever... maybe that's where I get my smile. Her smile could light up a room. I remember going and visiting her on Sunday, especially, playing Rook or even watching the Chicago Cubs play baseball. (They were her favorite team) and listening to Harry Carey announce the game.
Grandma Olive Ward, 21st of January, 2000. There are so many memories I have of Grandma Ward, mainly because I was older. Calling her and her voice saying "Nello." Asking, "Grandma, can I come in?" "Yes, of course" was always her response. Going in, knocking on her door, literally, and saying, "Knock knock." And her saying with a cheerful smile, "Come in." Getting in her house, visiting, and then setting up the card table to play Zilch. On the day that she passed, I was up in Richfield from college, down in Salt Lake, and she had been sick. She was in the hospital in between Boise and Twin Falls for quite a few weeks. I believe Dennis, Aunt Sharon and Aunt Joyce had been up to the house preparing it for her return, that was wheelchair accessible. I told mom I was on my way to see Grandma when I got home, and my friend Candace was outside of her house and I decided to divert my way to see her instead of going on up to Grandma's house. I visited with her for over an hour and she invited me to go to a basketball game in Dietrich that night. I decided that I would go see Grandma the next day. I headed back home and passed my mom ... we pulled over and spoke. "Grandma has passed." I immediately started to cry knowing that I was that close to telling her goodbye.
Memorial Day is for remembering those you've loved, and I wanted to share a few memories of who I've loved and remembered.