There's no place like home except Grandma's.

This is a shout out to my dear friend Kelsey, who’s grandmother just recently passed away.  It’s only fitting to do a tribute to not only my grandma’s, but ALL grandma’s!

Just like the title of this post says, “There’s no place like home except Grandma’s.” I came across that today as I was reading something, and it just made me think back to all those times that I spent over at Grandma’s house.

The days spent outside playing in the barn. The days riding in the combine or on the tractor only to come home and find Grandma preparing lemonade and cookies for the middle of the afternoon “coffee time”. The days spent sitting in the chair next to her watching her quilt or make yet another blanket to be donated to the hospital.

Remembering the knitted socks and slippers that she made as Christmas gifts for all of us.  Remembering where the cookie jar (or in my case, the cracker cabinet) was always located (and still is), and getting yelled at if I tried sneaking into it before dinner time. Remembering the OH SO GOOD home cooked meals of meat, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls that she always makes, as if she was cooking for an army. And how could I forget, never can you go one meal without knowing that you had to save some room for dessert.

Now that I’m grown up and preparing to start a family of my own, I don’t see my grandparents as much anymore. But yet when I’m trying to make one of those home cooked meals “just like Grandma” makes them, I think of this quote:

If God intended for us to follow recipes, He wouldn’t have given us grandmothers.

Nothing is EVER as good as Grandma makes it! :)

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but they hold our hearts forever. 

I still remember very vividly the day I almost lost my Grandma & Grandpa Sjaardema.  I can't even tell you how many years ago that was now, but I remember Kevin and I being left home alone that evening because mom got a phone call and the instant she hung up the phone she grabbed the car keys and ran out the door. She didn't say anything! Kevin and I were so worried. Once Dad arrived home we were told that G & G had been in a bad car accident. Grandpa was bleeding internally and Grandma had several bones on her right side that were crushed. Grandpa spent several days in a coma and Grandma could barely move because of all the casts. The next several months were spent making several visits to the hospital and nursing home. I am so thankful that God was watching over them  during the accident and the several months after. And I am very honored to say that this coming November, a few days after my wedding day, we will be celebrating as a family, Lord-willing, Grandma and Grandpa's 60th wedding anniversary!

Kelsey, I want you to know that your family is in my prayers, you especially!  It’s very hard to lose someone that you are so close to and love so much! But just remember, she’s not gone forever! She still lives on within your heart! Cherish the memories that you have made with her. She wouldn’t want you to be sad, she would want you to put a big smile on your face and be filled with joy, laughing and remembering all those wonderful moments you had with her. She will ALWAYS be a part of you!