A sparkling, sapphire blue, cut-glass bowl with a top.
I can hear its tinkling sound as the handle is lifted. I see it sitting on the table next to a chair in Grandma’s home. There was almost always something sweet in it, especially if she knew we were coming to visit.
We had very few treats at home, so Grandma’s were special. Her favorite things to stash in the bowl were Circus Peanuts – sweet, chewy, lightly-colored marshmallow – or Orange Slices – a burst of sweet orange with sugar that crunches on your first bite. Unfortunately, that clinking glass sound the bowl ALWAYS made when you lifted the lid also meant you could never sneak a piece of candy!
That bowl is now on my vanity, holding jewelry. “Grandma” was the first thought in my sister’s mind when she saw the dish recently. Seeing it always brings a smile, thinking about Grandma, who was always so happy to see us. She was a great storyteller and loved to laugh.
When I tried to leave Grandma’s home, she’d launch into a great long story. Later, I learned that she recognized “exit behavior” and tried to keep my company a little longer. Flattering, when you think about it.
But the candy bowl wasn’t Grandma’s only signature item. Grandma’s three black hats – that I just found a way to display – beckon me back to more unusual days with her. I remember seeing Grandma wear one of them a time or two, probably for a funeral. But she was a plain house-dress kind of woman most of the time, never wearing pants. Two of the hats don’t look like they’d cover much. One is even open on the top with a black netting covering going down over the forehead. There’s a brown paper tag sewn into another; $4.98 is handwritten in fading pencil.
I love to remember Grandma when I see her candy dish and outdated hats. They represent her head and her heart. And she represented comfort. She was a “do what’s right,” always “be a lady” kind of grandma. She was a giver, an encourager. She loved me fiercely, even when I didn’t deserve it. She was always delighted to see me, and hated when I left. She believed in me. Even though Grandma has been gone almost 30 years, I’m sure my siblings and cousins would all say similar things.
At a time when the world is all wonky, we need these kind of adults in our lives. The ones we will remember for years to come because of what they taught us and stood for.
Today’s children – even if they are not our own – need us to ground them, to help build a foundation for them, more than they’ve ever needed it.
In earlier days, I thought I was lucky that Grandma bought me sweets and pretty pink dresses, and that she shared her love of reading with me. She didn’t have many material or valuable things to leave us when she died – I thought I was the lucky one to get the pretty dish with the sweet candy memories!
Turns out I was pretty lucky to get a lot more than that.
Linda Harbison Baker is Director of Development for 1819 News. She was lifestyle editor of the Daily Mountain Eagle when newspapers were still printed and has raised funds for nonprofit organizations for several years.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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