call my grandmothers more often

I called one grandmother early in the day. It was a nice conversation and I felt like she was happy to hear from me (not mad that I haven’t called more often). She did mention how another Granddaughter should have been calling her more often (I sent her a message telling her to call).

I told her about all of the food I made and she said “Well, at least you won’t starve!” and we both laughed. She will spend the day with my aunt and her husband and a cousin and his family. It should be a nice day for her!

I called my other Grandmother who is the easiest for me to talk to. She is just glad to hear my voice and chit chat with me. I don’t feel like I need to give her too many details about my life, just that I am okay.
When I asked her how she was doing she said “I’m great!” then she said “Wait a minute, what am I saying…I’m weak as a kitten”.
She always uses the cutest words and phrases.
She has a helper who has been helping her with cooking and cleaning and mending for at least 20 years! Maybe more I’m not sure. She said that Y. came by yesterday to help her out. She told me today that Y. always tells her “Don’t go dirty!”. I think my grandmother thinks it’s cute the way she says that.
When I was talking to my grandmother today I asked her where she grew up – exactly. She told me Durham North Carolina on the same street as Duke University. I looked up the address she gave me on Trinity Road and I found her house!!! The house she grew up in is huge!!! The whole area is surrounded by beautiful houses and trees. I would describe the house to her and she was agreeing and adding more details…i.e. two big white columns, a stone wall surrounding…two churches across the street….
it was fun how her memory was absolutely perfect when it came to her childhood. I would like to record her and go visit these places and take pictures. I could put it all together.
It was a fun conversation.
The rest of my family is together in the Blue Ridge Mountains! I”m a little jealous!!! http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm the link for the road they are taking.

I just talked to her for 40 minutes. It was a very nice conversation. She did repeat many of the things that we talked about because it’s late and her memory is not good when she is tired, well, she’s in her 90’s!

She asked me to put my boyfriend on the phone (he’s very shy with the phone). I put him on to talk to her and it was very sweet to hear them talking.

My mom is worried about my grandmother and really wants us all to try harder to send more cards, call and talk to her for at least 15 minutes. She said that in the place where she lives (an upscale assisted living) that none of the people on her floor, her friends, never come to visit her. They don’t have the memory problems that she does so they are annoyed by her repeating things. It’s such a shame since my grandmother was nothing but kind and generous her whole life. Now, she is alone! Loneliness kills I’m sure of it. I hear from my mom that she is lonely and it is just heartbreaking.
Even if you have money, and family…that doesn’t guarantee anything I guess. I am going to send her cards and call more often. I really need to do this.

I talked to both of my grandmothers today-yay!!!
I noticed one of my grandmothers called (on my cell) and so I called her back. We talked for about 10 minutes.

Just a few minutes ago I called my other grandmother (sweetest woman ever) and had a wonderful conversation with her. She told me all about how she is so grateful for her wonderful set up (the place where she is living) and how all of her needs are taken care of and she couldn’t ask for anything more.

She did mention how people don’t call as much as you think they would. She also told me many times how wonderful it was to hear my voice and that I could call her any time I need anything.

It was wonderful to talk with her and it makes me sad to know that she is lonely especially since she is a very social and gracious person who attracts people….even that kind of person can end up totally alone. I am going to do my best to call her once a week. I would like to call her every other day…or every day….lets see what I can do. I know that I am one of her favorites (not to brag!) and I think that maintaining our friendship could be really good for both of us.

Finally called both today. Granny was in the shower when I called and her helper answered. My other Grandmother was at dinner when I called and my Mom answered. Maybe I’ll have better luck tomorrow!

I’ve fallen behind.

I called one of my Grandmothers today on my break at work. She called me back at work. It was fun to talk to her!! I am so proud of her and how bright she is. She is at least 94! Anyway, I could tell she was glad I called her. I miss her! I found out that my brother is going to spend the weekend with her with his baby (see the photo below for the 3 of them). I am so happy that he is making the trip, they will all have a good time.

Now I want to call my other Grandmother. She is the one I am actually closest to, but she has been forgetting things so we go through the same ‘loop’ of discussions. One of the things she likes to discuss is “I don’t know why your parents ever had to get divorced”. It was more than 20 years ago but she still brings it up. She really liked my Dad!!

I need to call both of them. As they get much older they seem to be sort of slipping away. They won’t be calling me. I need to call them, that’s just how it works.

Photo: My grandmother and her brother

I called my Grandmother yesterday for her 90th birthday. I am going send her something special this week.

It has been sooooo long since I called my Grandmother. I don’t know why I was putting it off. It is sometimes hard to talk when I know they are feeling bad and there is nothing I can do. I love my grandmothers and I really feel happy every time I get the chance to talk with them. I don’t know why I don’t do it more often.

When I called my grandmother yesterday she said “Bedhead2!! You haven’t called me since your Mom came to visit!!!” She didn’t sound mad but, I realized then that I had waited way too long. She needs our attention and care now. I need to call my other Grandmother next.
I would like to get back to once a week phone calls.

I have not done well with this lately. It’s harder to call when things aren’t going well. It’s hard to face the fact that my grandmothers aren’t feeling so great any more. I know they are lonely, even though they both have families and good places to live. I need to call them every week no matter what. It only takes about 20 minutes total and we both benefit.