Tuesday, August 15, 2006

About my Grandmother

She went by Memaw to all of her grandchildren. Most of the time she was quiet and just let my grandfather ramble on about business deals, Alabama football or whatever. I can still hear her say, "Oh Pat..." at things she thought were crazy that my grandfather would say. Her house was always spotless. She always had plenty of toys and books to play with and read. The food she cooked was always great. She had stashes of candy around the house. One of my fondest memories was that as we were leaving each time my parents took my brothers and I to visit we would each ask Memaw if we could have a piece of candy for the ride home. Of course the answer was always yes. We never took more than one nor asked for candy at any other time but when it was time to leave. I guess we always thought that if we took or asked for more then there would not be any next time. Boy did that candy taste good on the ride home. The ride was only 20 or 30 minutes but as a kid that is eternity. The candy just made the ride go by faster. Memaw always had a bird feeder and sometimes complained how the squirrels were taking all the food but she kept refilling it just to see the birds.
Now to my most favorite and most cherished memory. When I was young my mother use to ask me at my birthday what kind of cake I would like. I would always say I wanted Memaw's chocolate cake. Holy crap that was a good cake. I cannot explain in simple words how good it was. I never knew how she did it but that cake tasted better every year. Before we got married my wife had a shower with a kitchen theme. People were asked to give recipes. My grandmother could not make it. However my wife and I received the recipe for the chocolate cake. I think that out of everything we received for the showers and wedding, that recipe is my most favorite gift and I will cherish it forever. I have not tried to make it yet but I don't think I could do it the same anyway. It was just something about Memaw's Chocolate Cake. It must have been all the experience and the great amount of care and love put into it that made it so damn good. Sorry for the strong language but really it was the BEST you just don't even know. Maybe one day I will try to make it and post the recipe on here.
Now Memaw is in a better place. She is with her family and most importantly with my grandfather. Whether my grandfather would admit it or not, he always needed her and she always needed him. Now they are together again.
Memaw, keep Bepaw in line up there and make sure he keeps it down when Alabama is playing football. Also one more favor. Make that chocolate cake for all the children up in heaven, they will love it!!!!!

We love and miss you

Tom and all of your grandchildren

1 comment:

FrankFlannery said...

Damn, bro, I want some cake. We will miss you Meems!

Love,
Frank