It is January 28, 2014. Today my grandma would have been 100 years old. She was known as Bam to everyone who knew her. She was generous, kind, loving, caring and selfless. I want to be just like her. But I am exactly half her age and I am not even close to becoming that person. She worked hard as a ranchers wife (to her husband of 50 plus years) riding horses, cooking for a crew and whatever else that was needed of her. She took in our family when we were in need. We (my sisters and I) found such comfort in her presence. We spent much of our growing up years at her ranch in the country. We climbed hills, picked wildflowers, watched Grandad tend to the horses, and took in everything that their sprawling horse ranch had to offer a kid. At night we got to sleep in the meticulous and beautiful purple room. Every room in the house was that way, but she never made us feel like we couldn't enjoy every inch of that home. We would lay in our beds as she read to us from our favorite book, Little Brown Cocoa (slightly politically incorrect). Sometimes she would rub our backs with rubbing alcohol (not sure why the alcohol) but it felt so good even though her hands were rough from many years of hard work.
Bam volunteered at the elementary school for as many years as I can remember. Several of the teachers she helped out clear up until they retired, but she kept going. Another teacher was always thrilled to get to have Bam in their classroom. The kids loved her too. She sent good old fashioned letters and cards to hundreds of friends on any occasion or maybe no occasion, just because she enjoyed making someone feel good. She was active in her church and would do anything asked of her. But even with all she did, I knew that she was always available when I needed her. When I had children of my own, she was there to help in any way possible. She cooked for us, cleaned for us, babysat for us, ran errands and was there at the drop of a hat when I called and needed her. I can't imagine life without her. She was only about 4 1/2 feet tall but she was the strongest women I knew. She was a rock. She was stable. She was firm but loving. She was, above all, humble. I barely touched on all the memories I have of her. I am so thankful that I had so many good years with her. I will never be the grandma to my grandchildren that she was for me, but I will try. Everyday I will try. I love you Bami..always and forever!
