A Tribute: Oyster Suppers, Patient Advocacy, and Ice Cream
We lost someone very special yesterday, the last grandparent in our family. Her name was Mary and I want to tell you that she lived a long, healthy life to the age of 96. But decades ago, she’d become a patient advocate. I don’t even know whether that was a word back then. Nevertheless, after surviving breast cancer, she spent years helping other patients to fight and survive.
There are countless ways Granmary is inseparable from me or my life or this blog even although she did not have RA and never read a blog. When I was a young adult, she taught me about cooking, sewing clothes, gardening, and how to paint windows. And other really important things like how to hold a fussy baby, and how to properly visit the sick. She always sent homemade food, extra ice cream, gourmet juice – and breakfast!
You know that “old me” that I miss so much? Granmary was a big part of her.
Granmary could turn any visit into a party. And find the bright side to any situation. She shined the spotlight on others. She thought of every detail; and liked to make things look easy even if she put in a tremendous amount of work to pull them off.
A million memories fill my mind. Lunches at Friendly’s when my girls were babies. Hours on the front porch rocking. Watching Redskins’ games. Shopping for our baby crib. Oyster stew for an impromptu Anti Horse Thief Supper at New Year’s (scroll down to March 20, 1902).
There is joy in seeing my own kids do things I taught them which I learned from Granmary. We’ll carry on doing what she taught us. And what she did, but didn’t talk much about, like helping other patients to fight their battles. We’ll cook her recipes. We’ll send ice cream. Some of us will even learn to like oysters.
Important program note: Last week, I did an interview with Dr. Borenstein, prior president of the American College of Rheumatology for his first broadcast of a new online radio program called Speaking of Health with Dr. B. to be broadcast on Women’s Radio – click this link to listen. My interview was 30 minutes, and I haven’t heard the edited version yet, but there could be another person interviewed before you hear me. I’m told that the program will be the top show on their site tomorrow (Friday) and for the next couple of days. After that, it can be found by searching “Speaking of Health with Dr. B.” If I learn any more, I’ll let you know.
Recommended reading
- Perception, Reputation, & Information: How Do We Decide about Dangerous Drugs?
- The Me Before Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Can We Treat the Whole Person or at Least the Whole Disease?
- Three Fortune Cookies: What We Hope the Future Holds
Gr8, transparent, informative interview, Kelly!
-Bob
Kelly, I’m very sorry for your loss. This was such a sweet article and very touching. Revelation 21:3,4 is always comforting to me. Hugs.
Kelly….So sorry for your loss. You are so articulate with everything you write. I feel as if I know this special person in your life.
I could not get your interview. I got onto the Womens site, but it would not go to the interview. Any suggestions?
Did you see “Speaking Health with Dr. B.” headline? Click on that. Then click on the tiny yellow play arrow button on the left. lmk if you still don’t get it. We are working on getting it embedded here later on. But I hope you can hear it!
Your Granmary sounds like a wonderful woman and a pioneer! She seems to have passed on a lot of important things to you. She has a legacy.
Thank you, Lene. I think that’s what I wanted to show, despite the loss. She made such an impact on me.
I’m sorry for your loss Kelly. You can tell how much you loved and respected her. You can also tell how very much she loved you. I know, having a grand daughter myself. She lives on with you in all of the little things she taught you.
Thank you, Becky.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like a very special lady.
Deepest condolences on the loss of your dear Granmary.
My condolences on the loss of such a wonderful and important person.
Thank you for sharing some of your experiences with Granmary. What a pioneer! My condolences on the loss of such a strong woman.
very sorry to here. I’m sure she will be missed by many
Kelly -my deep condolences – you and your family are fortunate for having such a special person in your live – i am sure you will treasure the memories