The most magical place on earth
In all the places in this world, there has never been any place more magical than my Grandma's house. As we would pull into her drive way, it was like we were arriving at a secret place. It was a secret castle disguised as a beautiful, humble home with a simple yard and bountiful garden in the back. Grandma would greet us at the door with a "HELLO!" as if she was laughing the word out of her mouth and I was always amazed how her tiny frame could give you the biggest, warmest hugs in the world. She made you feel like she was saving all her hugs just for you. I've never felt so much love come from one lady.
It was a new adventure every time we went to the secret castle. The excitement of being a little girl going to Grandma's house was like having your own personal fairy godmother. The sweet aroma would fill your nose as you stepped inside. The fresh buns cooling on the stove, and the clean linen smell of the countless of homemade quilts she had made over the years made you feel safe and warm. It made you feel like you were finally home. Grandma had this way of making you a part of her world in an instant.
I loved not knowing what she had in store each time we came to visit, though somehow I was always reassured each visit would be better than the last. Her baking alone was something to marvel at. The homemade cookies, the chocolate batter you got to lick off the spatula when she was done. Her cooking came with such ease, as if she had a thousand different recipes for every occasion.
The cupboards were always filled with the best ingredients, but the best ingredient of all was her love. Her food was the best because she put so much love and care into it. The fresh garden peas, that we would pick before dinner. Grandpa, and I eating more than we would shell. Fresh carrots and potatoes. My favorite was picking raspberries with her on a hot summer's day and then after dinner she would serve a nice bowl of ice cream with raspberries on top.
As the sun would go down you could sometimes find her in her sewing room. The humming of the sewing machine filled the house with a peaceful sound. Blankets, dresses, curtains, towels.. she was always making something for somebody. Patterns and patterns of sweet fabric picked out especially for whomever she was gifting one of her masterpieces to.
She would tuck us snug into bed, sometimes reading us a story followed by bed time prayers. Her voice was as soothing as a hundred angels. Soft and floating like a cloud. A smile always ready at the corner of her mouth. Her crystal blue eyes shinning with love and pride of having you as her grandchild. Grandma made you feel special just because you there, like a precious jewel that she took special care of.
I loved waking up in the mornings at Grandma's house. The house was warm and alive by the time you woke up, waiting for you to come join in the fun. The warm brown sugar smell of Grandpa's porridge on the stove would sneak up into your nostrils. We would all jump into Grandma's big pillow soft bed, somehow always big enough to fit everybody. Sometimes I thought it must have been a stretching bed because nobody was ever left out. We would all jump into bed with her, and get under the covers, our backs up against the headboard. Then when we were all settled in, Grandpa would come in on cue serving us tea in bed. How did Grandma and Grandpa know that tea in bed is the recipe for the start of a perfect day?
Although Grandma and Grandpa were well into their years, their home was always made for the wonderment and imagination of children. Toys from the days of their own children were still put into good use. Dresses, jackets, canes, pearls, and funny hats waited to accessorize the perfect character we made up that day. My speciality was to put on plays for her each time I would come. She would watch with such joy and excitement, she was my audience of one. Creativity and imagination never fell on deaf ears with Grandma. She always remembered the plays you made, the songs you sang, the cookies you baked, the vegetables you picked from the garden, she had a rolodex of memories in her heart for everyone.
The love she had for her family and for God is what made her world so magical to be in. I don't ever remember being scared in any part of her house, and I don't ever remember wanting to leave the secret castle. My childhood, and I am sure many other people's childhood was filled with such imagination, love, and creativity because of her.
I will never know how she did it. How she had everything you could possibly need to create whatever was inside your wild child-like mind. How she knew exactly what you needed before you even got there. How could she see everything and all that you are, even at times when you could only imagine half of what you would grow to be. She knew. She knew each and every one of us.
The magic of her was so rare and pure, as if God had made her in such a way so that he could shine his love through her. She was given a special gift and she shared it with everybody. I can see that magic of her in the people that she loved.
I can see it in all my Aunts and Uncles with how they love their children and how wonderful of grandparents they came to be. I see it in my brother with how gentle his heart is with his children. I see it in my baby sister and how she still creates a magical world for her friends filled with costumes and characters, even owning a tickle trunk of her own. I see it in my Mom with the countless of scrapbooks, quilts, and no-bake cookies that she sends every year. Always having a project to make for somebody that she loves. I see it in all my cousins, we all have that certain sparkle in our eyes because of the wonderful time we spent with her growing up. The way her gentle hands molded us with the perfect love, teaching us how to love one another.
I see it in myself when I spend an afternoon with an apron around my waist, covered in flour and the smell of homemade cookies fill the air, and yes I still lick the chocolate batter off the spatula. Waiting to share the homemade goodies I baked for the ones that I love.
Grandma's house. The most magical place on earth. A place that is only a moment away because it will forever be in my heart. A place that I will keep alive and bright so that when I start a family of my own I can pass down the same gift that she gave to all of us- Unconditional Love.
I love you Grandma. Always and forever my Grandma you'll be.
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