Remembering

Eva Belle Alderman Stanley O'Quinn

Born: 3 January 1916

Died: 26 February 2009

I remember how proud I was to have a real 'country grandma', one that was called a "granny" and how I told my friends her garden was bigger than their yards.

I remember when you asked me what I wanted for breakfast, that you'd fix me anything. I chose one of those mysterious canned jars of sausage in your basement.

I remember when you went into the Kentucky Fried Chicken drive thru and ordered $5 worth of chicken. I laughed so hard I couldn't talk.

I remember when you took me to the mall before I could drive and sprayed so many tester perfumes on me, I felt lightheaded.

I remember how pretty you looked at my wedding, on my brother's arm.

I remember when I told you I was moving overseas and wanted to share the Good News, and you told me you were proud, that it was something you'd wanted to do as a girl.

I remember how much you loved all my babies when I brought them home to see you.

I remember that day we went to Wal Mart together, I pushed you in the wheelchair while you held my firstborn in your lap. I remember realizing at that very moment it would be one of my happiest memories.

I remember when I told you I'd named my daughter after you, and you said she looked like a boy!

I remember even after you began forgetting some things, you knew all the words to the hymns.

I remember taking a photo of you and my little Eva, knowing one day she would show it to her grandchildren.

I remember last summer when I knew I was saying goodbye for the last time.

I remember all those great-grandchildren running around at your feet, blissfully unaware that even their life clocks have begun their countdowns.

I'll always remember you, Granny.

-Sara Leigh Fish Campbell

26 February 2009