Grandma Garff

A few nights ago I had a lovely dream. Daniel and I were going to Grandma Garff's home in SLC. She didn't know we were coming but we pulled into the driveway, got out, and knocked on the door. We were greeted and welcomed in by a lively and strong Grandma Garff. She was still old but she was happy and had her full health. We chatted with her for a moment and spent time in her beautiful yard which was different but the same as the yard at her home. The dream was so joyful. It was so good to see my Grandma Garff and to enjoy being with her when she was not only in good spirits, but also in perfect health. I woke up from this dream with some heartache realizing that this weekend when we make our way to SLC, it will be the first time that a stop at Devonshire Circle to see Grandma will not be on our list. It made me miss her a lot. And it brought back many wonderful memories.
Like raspberries. This tart fruit always reminds me of being in her home. She had a raspberry patch in the lower level of her yard and I remember when it was raspberry season we would go down and climb through the bushes to find the ripe raspberries. It was such a delicious treat since we hardly ever had raspberries at home.
Or the temptation to push that little white button by the door, the one that was for emergencies only. I remember being young and just staring at that button wanting so badly to press it. Maybe it was because it was at my level, maybe it was because it was off limits, but I so wanted to push that button. I am not sure if I ever did.
I use to always play a little piano piece for her when we were staying at her home. She loved to hear the music. I am sure my parents had to give me the nudge to play for her, I often did play at least one song. I wish I would have played more now.
The exercise chair was probably one of the best parts of going to her home. I would use all my strength to lift it up and then enjoy the ride down.
I also loved being outside and walking around the entire house. I love the little path through the front yard and all the wooden stairs. I loved going up by the fireplace and making it to the top to look over the city. I loved the trees and the acorns and the snails.
I remember she really loved my dad. They would talk forever about government and politics. She always said she would love to take a class from my dad, I always thought it would be odd to have Grandma Garff sitting in a classroom with a bunch of High School students.
In recent years I loved going to her 95th birthday party. I took Daniel and she always commented on what a handsome boy he was. She hosted a bridal party for Maddie and me at her home. I sat by her and we talked a lot that night. She recited one of her poems and we laughed. It was so nice. Finally we got to see her in the hospital last Christmas. We stopped by while she was doing physical therapy. She took a break to talk to us and kept saying how much she loved surprises! She told us we were the best looking couple (something I am sure she told lots of couples, but for some reason it always felt sincere and true!) I talked to her about Stephen serving in Detroit and she started talking about Nathan Detroit! We took a nice picture and said goodbye. I remember looking back and waving and thinking to myself that I would be okay if that was the last time I saw her in this life.
I am thankful that I could know my Great Grandma Garff. I am thankful for the memories. And I am thankful for the dream I had to remind me of all these wonderful times.