Grandma R.

I've had this post started for quite awhile now, but for some reason it's been really hard for me to finish. On March 9th my grandma passed away. I called her Grandma Rezabek, although most of the grandkids called her Grandma Vi.  The problem was, my other grandma was also named Viola, so that would have been confusing! Anyhow, I am really going to miss my grandma, but I will always have fond memories of the times I spent with her.  She was an avid reader and I have the Anne of Green Gables book that she read when she was a child. I also have great memories of staying at her house when I was very young. She had a wonderful big backyard with a huge swing set and a pool! Oh how I loved going to visit there.  She and my grandpa also put together a huge dollhouse that I loved playing with when I visited.  Their freezer was stocked with Pudding Pops (remember those), ice cream sandwiches and ice cream. My brother and I loved having breakfast there because they had a microwave long before we did and she would make bacon in it!

For a long time my grandma and I were pen pals - when I was in high school and college.  It was fun receiving letters from her and I know she liked hearing about my life too.

When I think about my grandma, I remember her as a kind, patient, soft-spoken, happy person. I never remember her rushing and she always had time for me and others. I know these last few years were tough for her, so while I will miss her, I know that she is at a much better place.  The last time I saw her, only a week before her death, I knew she was not comfortable or very happy. I knew that day that I left her that it would be the last time I saw her alive.  It was so bittersweet.

Below is probably the last picture that was taken of her - about 8 days before she passed away. I wanted to make a trip with the kids as soon as possible and we ended up postponing it because we were sick. She was happy to see the kids, but I know they tired her out quickly. I'm glad I have this picture to remember that last visit.


I don't feel like I can adequately convey how much she meant to me or what an impact she has had on my life. She taught me so much. I am grateful that she was in my life for 35 years.