I tend to just write about the happy stuff. I don’t really like to put the sad stuff on paper. I guess it makes it more permanent, but today that’s what I want…
In March my Grandma celebrated her birthday. For the past few years I got to plan a little party for her.
The location is always the same – Saint Camillus – that place on Bluemound across from the zoo. Everyone knows where it is – but I bet not so many people know it like my family does. Uncle Jerry told me last night that it became the family gathering spot when we cousins were born. It was such a part of my life, I figured they had been going there forever.
Uncle Bob lived at Saint Camillus for twelve or so years before I started the next generation. “Bobby” was Grandma’s oldest son – the first of five. He had a cool wheelchair, lots of friends, a great sense of humor and cerebral palsy. It wasn’t weird or uncomfortable to spend part of every holiday season at the nursing home. That’s where Uncle Bob lived and he was family. It’s what we did.
At some point after I graduated from college, when I was busy learning how to be a wife and figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up, my grandma decided to sell her house and move to Saint Camillus. She did not suffer from anything except maybe a stronger dose of practicality than anyone else I’ve ever met. Uncle Bob lived there and she would not have to shovel. Seemed logical to her and we all went with it.
As our family grows and a new generation of children arrive, we continued to gather at Saint Camilla’s. A few years ago Uncle Bob died, but Grandma had already made up her mind that we would come to her. That was all she really ever asked of me and honestly it was already part of the routine. So now my kids and their cousins are used to celebrating holidays and Sundays and the first part of a zoo trip at the nursing home so we could see Grandma.
Things are changing. I realize that a stop at Saint Camillus might not continue to be on the agenda. It will be part of saying good-bye to Grandma . It will be the end of a tradition that she thought was really important.
I could tell you about all the good things; the character, the appreciation, the compassion that came with those visits. For me however, it feels like more. It has become a symbol of family and tradition. Our routine. It’s a place that will always feel like home, even when it’s not where we go.
It’s permanent. A part of Grandma, it’s a part of me.
Well said Theresa. It is so true. Grandma is the most practical person I know. It will be strange to drive by St. Camillus and not have someone to visit. She’s an amazing woman.
Really great post!
🙂
This was a beautiful tribute to your Grandma but also to a very special family ! Your grandmother raised an incredible family and instilled great values that will be a Konkel legacy. Your grandma is a very special ! We are blessed to call Phil & Cindy friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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