Ch 8 Doris sends a nice note about my grandmother

Dear Goldie,

Please accept our sincerest condolences on your grandmother's passing.

I only knew my paternal grandmother who baked scrumptious blackberry pies on her old-fashioned range (Grandpa collected fresh blackberries but did little else to contribute to family endeavors).  My parents and I visited her and my grandfather every summer when I was a child.  She and my mother spent most of the time we visited cooking and cooking to host and socialize with all my Dad's relatives (two brothers/families and several aunts/uncles and their families). The location was Belleville, IL, not far from St. Louis, MO.

We all sweltered in the 90 degree heat and high humidity in my grandparents second floor.  I often think about my mother's role there and how she never experienced a "vacation."  Nonetheless, the experience was "family" and I am grateful to have been a part of that.

They were both deceased by the time I was twelve.  My maternal grandmother died the year my parents were married (1935).  Since I didn't happen until 1938, I lost the chance to know her.

Sly’s maternal grandparents died before he was born--the paternal "grands" are a vague memory and were never close to him.  They passed early in his life.

It is wonderful that you had a close relationship with your grandmother.  Grandmothers and mothers are very special--my mother's birthday was today.  I still miss her so. She loved me beyond measure and had the same total love for Primo and Nancy.  At this moment my tears are flowing.

I'll be in touch further and soon. I promised Primo to send you some zucchini recipes we've enjoyed.  Will do soon.

Cordially,

Doris