Big Grandma

Until I was 6 years old I was given the gift of a Grandma we called, "Big Grandma." She was my Grandpa Carroll Sacry's mother, Mazzie. I never saw her out of bed. She lived with Grandpa and Grandma Sacry in their home where Grandma Sacry (Cora) took care of her. I grew up believing she had muscular dystrophy but Grandma Cora told me she broke her knee and would never try to walk again after that. She lived in the biggest bedroom in the Ranch house. There was a swinging door/window cut out of her bedroom so Grandma could put a pot outside after Grandma had used it. We loved to climb in and out of it. By her bed was a small bookshelf where she kept dates among other things. I loved to come into her room and sit on her bed and visit. She would give me dates which I still love. It was Big Grandma who drew all the scenery pictures many of us have in our homes. She drew with pastels. She would give me small pieces of pastel paper and some pieces of pastel chalk and let me sit on the floor and paint. I remember her telling me to draw and then rub the colors with my fingers. It was the rubbing that was important she said. I would sit with my feet behind me, knees forward on my bottom and draw.
Big Grandma's bedroom was another place in my life where I felt so welcomed. Now that I am a grandma I realize how I was probably a treat in the life of an old woman who was confined to her bed. But, as a pre-school child, I only knew I loved to be there. And so did my friend, Debbie Hemund. After Grandma died, Debbie came to the door of Grandma's room and exclaimed, "Grandma just disapeed!"
When I was 6 years old Mom held my hands and told me that Big Grandma had died. I remember crying and crying. And then it seemed to be over. I'm sure I missed her but I remember being surprised at how good I felt after I finished crying.
I am told Grandma never said an unkind word about anyone. The story is that once everyone was sitting around talking about someone who seemed to have no good qualities. Grandma just listened and then defiently spoke, "Well he sure could fiddle!" Growing up with that story I determined to be the same way. I'm afraid I have failed but it is a goal worth striving for. Grandma Josie Pyfer said and lived, "Never criticize anyone unless you've walked in their shoes for one mile."
We were not a family who spent much time talking about others. Instead there was laughter and fun. Happy Mothers Day Mazie! Thanks for the gift.