Staying with Grandma those days off from school,
Was far far less than anything that was cool.
Those long days we spent were only a few,
But how they’d impact me I never really knew.
From stovetop oats to Let’s Make A Deal,
From cheese whiz macaroni to Dr Phil,
Grandma would make me whatever I’d like,
But only during shows in which she disliked.
A new show always on, one right after the next
Grandma’s routine was not ever perplexed.
Hallmark was on channel three hundred thirty-six,
And 3:00 sharp was Harvey and all his kicks.
A soap opera perhaps if she’s in the mood,
But never anything that was too terribly crude.
To be passed the remote was a real luxury.
And the volume always stayed at one hundred and three.
Do not change the channel even if she’s dozing,
For she wouldn’t care you are certainly supposing!
The clock would turn the hour and chime its old rhyme,
But Grandma’s house paid no mind of time.
If I got bored of TV these were my options,
And I certainly would with what Grandma was watchin’!
I’d take late morning naps or play with the kittens.
But one thing I learned were Grandma’s rules unwritten.
Always check for ticks after playing on the hay,
And throw nothing away because we may need it someday.
No caps at the table and you better wash your hands,
We all know well each and every demand.
No fly swatters around the food or shoes on the couch,
Grandma never meant, to be an old grouch.
Not even if you’re sweating should you touch the thermostat.
And don’t ever question why there’s so many cats.
Here’s an easy one now wipe your shoes at the door,
And always give thanks even when life seems poor.
Whatever’s on her mind she didn’t mind saying,
And you had better listen to what she’s conveying.
Along with her rules she’d tell you just what she thought,
and to argue with Grandma better you not.
Now summers at Grandmas were the best of days,
Ending in August and beginning in May.
Sunday dinners at Grandma’s were also a treat,
And you could bet that there’d be something sweet.
Grandma could cook like you’ve never tasted,
So you could always count your trip not wasted.
Cause once dinner was done and the dishes washed well,
We’d set off outside for a short spell.
Finding something to do was not at all hard,
Going fishing at the pond to playing catch in the yard.
We’d find old tires to make the basketball goal stand,
And no one ever cared that nothing was very grand.
Or we’d play with the dog whichever it was then,
Wouldn’t we all love to see ol’ Fred again.
Along with summer fun came Oklahoma weather.
And we took many trips down to the old cellar.
Grandma never liked the summer tornado season,
Since she watched news channel 4, I guess she had reason.
With dogs, cats, chickens, spiders, and mice,
Those dirty plastic chairs were certainly not nice,
But I’d sit there and listen to tales of the past,
Grandma always had one to make the time pass.
I loved to hear her tell her old stories,
And to share with us all her trials and glories.
But holidays with Grandma are what I may most miss.
But now all I can do is look back and reminisce.
She showed her love best through every Christmas card,
To tell that she loved you she never found it hard.
Signing Great Grandma Bonnie and writing each line with care.
Grandma, I never realized all that we shared.
Don’t get her a vacuum and you’ll be alright,
But if you do believe me you’re in for a fight!
That “friggin’ vacuum” gave us all a good laugh,
But these memories of Grandma are not even a half.
I didn’t realize how much Grandma did care,
And there’s so many more memories I’d still like to share.
What I know for sure is that they went far too fast,
But I suppose it is true that nothing good can last.
Some days seemed long with no end in sight,
But now I look back and cherish them despite.
It is crazy to think how quickly they went by,
And I surprised myself, Grandma, when I began to cry.
Allow this to be a testament to all that you were,
And to please you Grandma, I will try to go far.
Wanting you longer, is a testimony to your life.
Your love, your laughter, and even your strife.
I’m sure many others could share more accurately,
But in my life, Grandma, this is who you were to me.
Now I am fearful things will begin to change,
With you gone now Grandma it is going to be strange.
But thank you for loving me in your special way,
It was love that I felt without you need say.
