In late May Grandma Cox passed away and "moved to heaven." It's hard to know where to start as I try to write down what I remember most about her. How does one encapsulate a human soul into a blog post? But I'll do my best...
Childhood memories of Grandma include her and Grandpa coming to visit us, and Grandpa pulling money out of his wallet to hand over the fence to us before he even stepped onto the property. I remember getting to have a special day with her where we went on a boat ride around the Redondo Beach pier and then I got to stay up late and eat candy and other yummies with her while we watched a movie...just me and Grandma. She also regularly taped Shirley Temple movies and Anne of Green Gables for me, a huge treat since we watched very little TV growing up.
She was an avid reader and recommended many good books for us. She gave me what is still my favorite series of books - the Betsy-Tacy series, and was overjoyed a few years ago when I signed her up for a Betsy-Tacy Society membership newsletter when she couldn't get out of the house so much anymore. She called and was so grateful and excited about it. As I browsed her books I was impressed with the variety and depth of spiritual books she owned. Also, it seemed very fitting that the book "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy" was displayed on her shelf when we came to see the house one last time after the memorial service. That's the kind of person she was - seeing the variety of titles on her shelves, she had obviously dealt with the deeper side of life, but at the same time had obviously made the conscious choice to be happy and enjoy the good things in life, of which there are many. Her bright eyes and laughter are one of the things I remember most about her.
I loved her fun home with the basketball hoop out in front and popsicles in the freezer...in fact, seeing this fun environment made me want to have all boys just like her - there was never a dull moment and always a joke on the tip of someone's tongue!
She was always at important events like graduations or weddings. At Christmas or Thanksgiving at her house she would indulge our requests for Rose Hips Vitamin C pills right before we would leave. Getting to watch TV in the back room, shooting hoops in the driveway, and being part of the swarming Cox Clan were highlights of family gatherings.
She was very thoughtful, driving out with Jim's parents several times to have dinner with us in our apartment, and periodically calling to stay in touch with our family after we moved from CA. She kept important dates and information about us in a little book (I assume), and reviewed them with me to make sure she had every address and date correct.
She was very generous, always remembering gifts for Christmas and even birthdays. When I needed to buy a car to drive in D.C. for my White House internship, she lent me the money happily and was tickled to get a newsy note with each payment. She loved to travel and I appreciate the happy-go-lucky, care-free sense of adventure about travel - and life - that she exemplified for me.
She was very pleasant...She was always interested in what was going on in my life, but rarely did I hear her give her opinion or push a viewpoint. She just happily listened to what I had to say and asked lots of good questions.
Of course, UCLA was a big part of her life, and the source of much fun and interest. At most family gatherings the UCLA 8-clap could be heard. (In fact, it was one of the last things we did at her burial service!!)
Best of all, she loved God and I know that she is with Him now. I take comfort in the verse, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined - what God has prepared for those who love Him!" 1 Cor. 2:9
Thank you, Lord, for giving Grandma 91 good years on this earth. Thank you for the legacy she left and the ways that she blessed so many.
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After the service at St. Andrews we all went over to the old homeplace and enjoyed being together there for one more family gathering.
It was fun to see a lot of the guys out shooting hoops on the driveway.
We went out to the backyard to see the fruit trees. I had hardly ever been out there and it was fun to see.
The den with the TV and lots of books.
The kitchen...
Bathroom... I always liked the wallpaper in there...
Back to the memorial service. It was fun to go back to St. Andrews with Jim, because before I even knew him, his family grew up at St. Andrews. He enjoyed exploring a little and taking some pictures to share with his family.
I'm thankful for my Grandpa's service to the Lord there as pastor for many years...his picture was still up in the foyer.
The burial service was poignant and a good time to take some time and remember her. It was interesting seeing the graves of other relatives, including Grandpa.
Madeline played Amazing Grace on her violin. That really added to the ambiance and gave us a special reflection time.
At both the memorial service and the burial, I loved what each of her boys had to say. They're all such great communicators and so spiritually deep. Grandma - and Grandpa - you left a great heritage, and I'm grateful!
