Friday, January 31, 2014

Remembering Grandma Halverson

My Grandma, Nathalie Helena Hafield Halverson Hansen, died last Saturday.  Her funeral is tomorrow.  I was asked to write a few memories to share at the service.

Grandma described herself and mean and ornery, but I remember her as being loving, kind and concerned (with her fingernails always painted!  Must be where Kate gets if from.).

 Why are most of stories I remember about Grandma involve her getting in trouble?  HEHE!

I have lost most of the details, but I remember visiting the beach with Grandma and Grandpa.  It was a cold and windy day, but Grandma still insisted that I roll up my jeans and walk in the tide.  She joined me, but didn't roll up her pants enough.  She ended up drenched from the waist down.  Instead of complaining, she simply stripped out of her pants and hopped in the car.  In her underwear!  I couldn't believe it!  Grandpa wanted to stop and grab something to eat, so Grandma found a blanket, wrapped it around her and walked right into the store like nothing was wrong.  I couldn't believe she was brave enough to do something like that, but she didn't seemed to be a bit bothered.

I remember driving from California to Utah and stopping in Nevada.  Grandma and Grandpa wanted to eat at a buffet and most of those are in casinos.  I was a bit awed by everything (having never been in a casino before).  Grandma handed me a quarter, told me to pick a machine and put it in.  I did.  Security was there in a flash, pulling me away and getting after Grandma.  She just laughed and walked off.

The thing I remember most about Grandma is she would talk to me, tell me about my mom.  I didn't have a lot of people in my life who would tell me stories about her, tell me what she was like, and how I was like her.  She understood how much I needed that.  I don't know if it was easy or hard for her to remember my mom, but she was always willing to talk for my sake.  I loved her even more for that.

When I feel sad or overwhelmed by losing Grandma, I think how happy and free she is now.  I love her so much and I know her happiness is complete now.

In honor of Grandma, we ate chocolate cake, her all-time favorite.
We love you, Grandma!

1 comment:

Gayle J. Randall said...

This is beautiful. Grandma would love it. I wish I had been there to hear the stories about your mom. I would love to know her better, too.