Grandma B.

MOM OF THE DAY

My red-headed grandmother, Wilma, is among the most caring people I have ever known. She is my mother's mother, and I am honored to be named after both of her parents, Leslie and Ruth. She always called me by both names, and told me about what wonderful people her parents were, especially her dad. Grandma B. called nearly everyone she loved "dear" or "darling," only with her East Coast accent, it sounded so old-fashioned. She made the best buttermilk biscuits in the world (seriously), and loved to serve people, even in the smallest ways. Grandma B. never said harsh words about anyone (except those whose actions really enraged her), she was a pacifist to a fault, spoke distantly about her memories of WWII and gave me the impression, even though I was young, that living through that time was something which changed her forever.

She used to swim in our pool with her 20-year-old swim suit and her pantyhose, floating around, pleased as punch just to be alive. She was quirky, and craved cleanliness so much that she would sweep the street in front of her house with her broom. Of course, I can't tell all the things I love about my grandma here, but needless to say, her admirable qualities make her someone that I cherish in my life.

Wilma and my mother as an infant.

We went to visit Grandma B. a few months before she passed away in 2005.
I have learned so much just by being loved by this woman. I miss her terribly, and around Mother's Day, I try to remember her just a bit more.
You can read more about my Grandma B. by clicking here.