My precious Grandmother, Helene Isabelle Corey passed away a year ago today. I thought I would write a little something in her memory to cherish.
Gram was widowed when she was just 46 years old with 12 children. She most certainly didn’t have a simple life. She made sure that her grandchildren were treated to the good life.
I cannot even imagine having 12 children and raising them, let alone having to raise most of them on my own. My husband and I struggle some days trying to manage the 3 we have. She did it, and knowing these 12 children, now adults, they would not have made it easy growing up. They all survived and managed to do quite well in life.
My memories of Gram begin quite early in life, she was my only living Grandmother and I spent many days and nights with her. She cooked up a mean hamburger and always had cookies and treats for us. Even as she got older it was important that she have some snacks available for the great grandkids when they’d visit. Even if that meant sending my Dad on a mad dash to Smith’s Store to buy up their cookies and juice.
Growing up we’d spend a lot of our summer days with Gram. My cousins from out west would often come home for the summer and spend it at Gram’s. Gram never had a car of her own that I can remember but that never stopped her from taking us on road trips and picnics. She always found a way. Some trips that stand out in my memories are Campobello Island, Magic Mountain in Moncton, picnics throughout NB, visits to lakes for swims. We’d stop by the roadside to pick brown-eyed Susans. Gram always loved us BIG, and made us feel loved. I remember sleepovers where we’d go out late at night on her deck and gaze at the stars and look for UFOs J
As we got into our teens, we’d congregate at Gram’s with our friends and she was happy to have the house full of kids. She loved us so.
After I had our first daughter I remember visiting often, and she would sit and snuggle her and she would always settle her down. Gram loved babies, even after raising 12 !
Gram was known to have her strong political opinions. Many debates over the years and some just avoided the topic completely. It was never a quick visit with Gram and rightfully so, she always had to update us on all the grandchildren and how everyone was doing. She was sharp, and kept track of our entire families travels etc. Not an easy task with such a large group.
Gram’s health allowed for her to live in her home on her own until her illness that placed her in hospital just a short time before she passed. Even while in hospital as weak as she was she would still rally when a grandchild would come in to visit. They truly lit up her life and we all loved her so much!
My last visit with Gram, days before she passed will always be cherished. She held my hand and told me I was so brave and courageous. In a time when she was at her weakest, she still was trying to help me. Of course, that’s what grandmothers do. I was blessed to have such an amazing woman as my grandmother and I will forever cherish my memories of her and do my best to be strong and loving as she taught me to be.
Love you Gram!
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