Many kids growing up would have to go see their grandparents once in a while or on the weekend when their parents wanted to go out for a night. I saw my grandmother at least three times a week when I was younger. My father was a single parent and never got a babysitter, because why would you when you have a grandmother who is retired and has a lot of free time? I used to hate going over there when I was younger. She wasn’t the typical five-foot grandmother with white hair that feeds you cookies every time you go over. My grandmother was a six foot retired lieutenant of the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. She was strict and always made sure I was busy with cleaning or being outside.
Summer time with my grandmother was always my favorite. I went to a summer camp that dropped me off down the street at the pool where she would wait with snacks for me so I could go straight to the pool with all my friends. At 5:00, when the pool got out, I would walk down to her house and have dinner almost done waiting for my dad to get out of work. We also used to take trips down to Pennsylvania to go see my aunt or on other trips to go see her friends. I spent more time with her than any of my family members growing up. I believe that I am the way I am today because of her.
As long as I have been alive, she has been very independent and never needed a man in her life. She had her own house, car and did whatever she wanted with three kids. She always inspired me to do my best in school and be a part of things. Whenever I had a choir concert she would always be there. On the day of graduation my grandmother was the first person to show up to the school being two hours early. While I was away in college I would always make sure to come home and check up on her and just hang out with her.
After I graduated college she developed a disease called normal pressure hydrocephalus. This means that she has water on her brain and it does not drain properly. She tried to have surgery but it was unsuccessful. Even though it was unsuccessful, she still goes to physical therapy twice a week and tries her hardest to stay strong. I go over to her house at least once a week if not more to go help her out and see if she needs me to do anything for her. I sometimes am called her caretaker, but I am only returning the favor she did for me when I was little.
We still go out on trips and outings when we can but not as far. When we are together it is like we are best friends instead of family. We laugh and joke around a lot with each other even if it’s about her disease. We try to make the best of the situation and try to cherish each day we have together. I don’t know what my life would be without her. She is my best friend, my grandmother and most of all my role model.
