Gramma Jackie

In memory of my beautiful grandmother, Jacqueline Jeanne Brown. 

     I remember the thoughtfulness, love and care that Grandma Brown demonstrated to her Arizona granddaughters.  She showed her love through many caring descriptive letters, cards, gifts, phone calls and visits. I remember feeling so excited about all of these surprises that she would either send or bring herself. I remember having a thought as a child that shows how much I loved and missed both of my grandparents. I remember one year wishing so badly that  instead of receiving the Christmas box filled with presents that Grandma faithfully sent each year, that instead the box would have Grandma herself all tucked up neatly within. Perhaps the fact that she was so little and petite made the whole concept feasible as unpractical as it was. I was simply convinced I would get my Christmas wish delivered by the UPS man that year! I was a bit disappointed Christmas day, but had to admit that Grandma’s homemade fudge nearly made up all the difference.

     Grandma and Grandpa’s visits to Arizona have meant so much to me throughout the years. What I loved most about seeing "Gramma" Brown in person as I was growing up was her genuine interest in me.  She would talk to me and seemed so interested in everything I had to say. This was a part of Gramma everyone loved. She was engaging, positive and always had such a merriment that she transposed on you when you told her about things going on your life. Even if they seemed boring and ordinary, to her they weren’t. It was her way of getting to know you better. She feasted on every detail and made me feel very important and special despite my ordinariness.

     One of the many visits I remember was a trip to California. Grandma and Grandpa came to Arizona, picked my family up and drove us to see Aunt Bridget while she was going San Diego. I was old enough to know better than to sing, “I’m bored… I’m bored” for our six hour trip together. The remarkable thing about it was that not once did she say a thing about it! I’m not sure how Grandma or Grandpa managed not to say anything. I know for sure I couldn't have!! Looking back I could only hope that they simply reached up and turned their hearing aids off and enjoyed their drive, but I am quite certain that it was so long ago that that simply was not the case.

    Another fun trip was for spring break my senior year. I had thought about going on other trips with friends that week. I had actually agonized over it and I’m not  quite sure what the dilemma was but that I remember feeling relieved that instead Grandma and Grandpa had planned things out for us. They came to Arizona, picked us up and took us to Sedona for the week. I think it was during a time in my life where I needed that support and family love and they surely gave that to me just by making the effort and being there to spend the week with me and my family.

     In more recent years, I have come to admire Grandma for the example she has set for her family. Having four children of my own, I have often wondered how she managed to have seven within eight years. Not only to have seven children but to love and care for each one so much, to reach out and touch the lives of each grandchild, to be a supportive wife, continue her career as an R.N., to have a great connection and circle of family and friends, and to have such devoted faith and determination to serve others. It is no wonder she is an example to so many that knew her. She lived a great life and knew just how to balance and prioritize all that filled it up.

     Presently, I have to say I feel Grandma’s influence in my life again.  Just as she has been there to help me in my life through her interest, support, and love in the past, I feel her now lifting me up once again through her example and legacy.  I can feel myself going from a state of loss (since I recently went through a life changing event) to a state of faith, in that I am coming to realize more at this time that all things are possible through faith, love and careful balance. Grandma, thank you for being an example to me of your appreciation and devotedness to your family. You and Grandpa are truly an example to me of what it means to be a family and I am so grateful to be part of yours. And although I love and miss you dearly I know you are at rest and at peace in heaven surrounded by so many that love you and welcome you there.

The lovely Brown family