Oma, as we young folk called her, was a wonderful woman... a little old lady that had lots of stories to tell, and lots of things to teach. She was a strong woman, full of life and a strong belief - in people. I'm not going to get all religious now and tell you she has left to be with Jesus, because, well... different people believe and think differently. But no matter, I believe she (at least her spirit and her memory) is off to galavant the next mystical experience.
And she has left us to learn from her.
I met her when I was 20. (I know... a little late in life to meet a grandparent or other relative, but hey... it's a little complicated.) I spent almost a year getting to know her. I learned her stories. I also learned how to make a pie crust (with perfect flakiness) and Stollen (German fruitcake). I skipped on the sauerkraut, as the smell made me nauseous. I developed a love for gardening and came to know all the flowers. (My 5yo can name a bunch of different flowers, now, too!) I nurtured a love of bird-watching. And I wrote.
I left and semi-kept in touch over the years. My two oldest have met her. My youngest... didn't. But, I teach my children what I know, what I've learned from her. I also pass on her stories. Stories tell of a true life. A life that was long and full.
I won't be able to attend services, but that is understandable. Everything is so far away. But her memory is not. Yes, I am saddened at our loss. But... she lived a long and full life. She left in peace. She deserved that. She taught me a lot, and for that, I can pass that on as well.
**Note: If you would like to read the obituary for my Oma, please click on this link. Thank you for understanding my randomness and all-overness, as that's where my mind is... at the moment.
