Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Nana

Charlotte R. Alger
Aka Charlie.
Better known to me as Nana.

How do you even begin to sum up the impact someone has had on your life? All the things you remember? The sound of her voice when she'd call up and say "Lori, dear, how are you?". Her laugh when she found something funny. She sat down and taught you to knit at the age of 6. She kept the dirty jokes in the Bible and snickered in church as she told them to God when she prayed. She made the best fudge this side of the Mississippi and lemonade to boot (it had about a cup of sugar in it). She called herself a self-centered egotistical bastard and sang "I love myself, I think I'm grand, I go to the movies just to hold my hand". She called "fish" "feesh" and the freezer was an icebox, and a rubberband is a gumband. She survived my Grandpa Bill's death when my dad was 13 - she became an alcoholic and then sobered up - she was going on 30 some-odd years of being sober. For years she'd buy herself a gift and then wrap it and put it under the tree - when she opened it she'd say "Oh Bill! It's just what I wanted!". She called pastel pink "titty pink" and made (and wore) horrific puffy paint and ribbon sweatshirts. She taught me dedication, value, and the idea that you patronize the people who patronize you. She taught me that you never wait for a man to buy you jewelry. I'm pretty sure she also taught me to swear.

I could go on. I could go on for hours. I could probably max out this blogger. But I won't.

Suffice it to say that my grandmother was an extraordinary woman who had a huge impact on my life. And I'm going to miss her something fierce.

9 comments:

Hilary said...

What a touching and beautiful memorial you have written. I am so, so sorry for your loss. :(

Katherine said...

I am so sorry. You wrote so beautifully. She sounds fabulous. {{hug}}

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry. What a tribute.

peaknits said...

What a gorgeous, and incredibly amazing Nana. Take care.

Anonymous said...

I love your tribute to your absolutely fabulous Nana. I am so sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you and your family.

a friend to knit with said...

i somehow missed this, and i feel so bad.
but i feel worse about your loss, ella.
i am so sorry. grandmothers truly are gifts. i think about my grandparents almost everyday. i sew at my grandmothers sewing table. and when i open the drawers, i can still smell her.
be well, friend.

Octopus Knits said...

Your Nana sounds like such an interesting and wonderful woman - thanks for sharing with us...

Reckless Glue said...

what an amazing quote and sentiment that you left on my blog...I thank you so much for that, and I could not agree with you more.
I'm sorry to hear about your Nana...I lost my Nana a few years ago as well--it does get better.
xo

Heather said...

I just came across your blog through another knitter, and I was just so struck by your description of your nana. I know that the grief must be overwhelming at times, but I also have to say that they pure joy of the way that you described her was so powerful. To have lived such a life, as to be able to have such a description. Thanks for sharing