Gram

Gram with her father, around 1929

Inspired by this post by Erin at It's Your Movie about her favorite photo of her grandpa, I was reminded of this favorite photo of my grandmother.

In March of 1994, my maternal grandmother, Melva Joyce, turned 70. One of the birthday gifts I gave to “Gram” was an empty journal in which at the top of every page or two, I wrote a different question for her about her life, her tastes, her philosophies, or her memories. I asked her to fill it out in her own time and then give it back to me for my birthday. She completed the book with thoughtful, sweet, and sometimes funny answers.

When I look at this photo of her, I think of her answer to my question, “Have you ever stolen anything?”

“When I was six or so, I stole chocolate from my grandmother’s purse. After a eating quite a few squares, it didn’t taste so good anymore. I learned that what I thought was candy was actually a chocolate laxative. Needless to say I was “set free” for a couple of days. I was found out, but my parents didn’t punish me. They thought my 'situation' was punishment enough.”

Gram passed away in 1998. I miss her. Our book helps.