In loving memory of Diane C. Peck

Found in my Grandparent's Garden

There are two women in my life that mean the world to me; my mother and my grandmother. They both were there in times of need, and supported me when I needed it. Both helped raise me and mold me into the woman that I am today. 

July 29th, I got a call from my dad that my grandmother was ill and in the hospital. I knew she was fighting a heart issue and has been for the better part of the past year. My mother called a few moments to then tell me that it isn't good and that I needed come home. 

Grandma, Me, and Mom

Her blood pressure is down and she is holding on. I can't get home quite yet. This woman is so important to me that I am devastated to know that my last time seeing her was this last spring. 

I kept my last promise to her; I came home this year.  I showed her I was happy and that in a small way  she has great grand-kids. 

My grandmother taught us so very many lessons. She taught us the importance of independence, education, to laugh and to love. She even taught us to humor life, and always be the optimist. She would do things with the intent to make others smile. 

She loved her garden. Even on my last visit with her she was excited to just get back out there and be in her garden. She grew lots of things  from wine grapes, to zucchini, to pumpkins, to her poppy flowers.

Pumpkin Party

I remember the pumpkin parties. Where our family would gather and celebrate the harvest of the pumpkins. Any excuse to see her grand-kids
she would accept. She would come out as our wicked witch (green face and wart included) and lead all the grand-kids to her garden.   Her license plate cover even  said " her other car was a broom"

I often called her, and giving her updates on life, seeking honest sage advice. And when she worried she would call, asking how everyone was doing. I think all of us grand-kids at one point or another came over with our new boyfriend, or girlfriend seeking approval from grandma. As we saw That she understood the key to a good relationship. She was with grandpa for more than 30 years. And even the smallest visit turned into at least dinner, she insisted. 

Purchase of a New Car

My last visit with my grandmother was not only a promise kept, but unknowingly my last time being able to seek advice. With my step kids running about the house exploring such a wonder I stopped to ask her about her love with my grandfather. In a newer relationship of my own, I has to know if I was doing it right. I mean at least 30 years, you have to be doing something right. I asked "Grandma, do you and grandpa ever really fight? I never have seen it and really am curious." I really think she was taken aback of such a question but she did have an answer. "Of course, but they were never screaming matches. They were more than just quiet disagreements. Life and love is about compromise and teamwork. There will be moments that you will have to stand your ground on something that you are passionate about, but that is how it goes." A smile and hug later, as the kids got antsy and ready to go, she also gave the smart response of " it also gets better when the kids grow up and move out." 

Her sense of humor rubbed off on not only her kids, but her grand-kids too. She always knew how to make you smile. My grandmother was crafty, loving, loved her box wine, her gardening, to travel, books and of all things she loved her husband the most.  I will miss calling and talking to her about what is new, and how the kids are growing like weeds. I will miss her smile and her big hugs.  I will miss my grandmother, my favorite little yellow bird. 

How I Remember my grandmother