With such a heavy heart, I say "so long" to my Grandma.
In all fairness, she was 88 years old. She lived life to the fullest, and probably had more fun than most 20 year olds.
I used to joke that she sent me cards for holidays that I didn't even know existed. She never missed a birthday, Christmas or any special day in between. She'd write me a quick note in each card - usually telling me about the weather in Charlevoix or what a great time she was having in Florida.
When my family lived in Las Vegas, she'd spend her day playing Bingo while us kids were at school. She had gold shoes and full "Vegas" Clothes. She was gorgeous even in her golden years. I'd watch her put on her makeup, complete with cream blush. She'd bring me something special if my parents put her up in my room. I remember one time she game me a dolphin necklace with matching earings even though I hadn't pierced my ears yet. I couldn't wait to wear them.
Our summers in Charlevoix were a mix of sandwiches - and just sand. Her house is right on Lake Charlevoix, a place that will probably always bring me a sense of calm. I loved playing with my sisters and cousins on that beach and looked forward to each trip that we were able to take there.
Any memory I have of her is amazing. She was the grandmother any kid would be so lucky to have. We'd spend our evenings playing cards. If there was a card game, she knew it AND she'd have the patience to teach us kids. She'd always say "It's not over until it's over" when I would make note of the scores. My grandma would often times buy us a chocolate treat of some sort for our evening card game.
Her coffee table was covered in gossip rags. Any celebrity story, my grandma knew it. She was a sucker for QVC and reality shows. I don't know any grandma that is that cool.
I started calling her "Gma" long ago. She started signing her cards "Gma" complete with the quotations. Sometimes she'd cross out a cards sentiment and write in her own.
As I got older, I still found so much joy in calling her. In the last few years, I'd call her each week to chat. I'd sit in the parking lot of the kids' schools waiting for them to be dismissed from class and just listen to her stories. She was full of wisdom and kind words. She'd give advice but was equally as good at listening.
When I got pregnant with Jackson, I was 1700 miles from my family. I was going to be a 23 year old with a newborn, and while most would say that we were too young, or question timing, when I called her to tell her she sounded just plain excited. She told me what great parents will be and what a great blessing this was. She never once gave an ounce of doubt or gave any opinion that wasn't happiness. That's what every kid deserves - just plain love, a soft place to land when the world was just too cold that day, a warm heart to tell you that everything will be just the way God wanted it.
When she started having some problems, before I would get off the phone with her I'd always tell her that I'd pray for her. Her tone always changed, and she'd just say "thank you so much, honey". Even from so far away, the sound of gratitude was so obvious. And we did. Jackson and I prayed for her each night. I hope God tells her that we followed through.
We appreciated each others faith and enjoyed talking about God's plan and His love.
As I write down all of my scattered thoughts, I can still hear her voice. When I'd call, I'd say, "Hi Grandma, it's Natalie". Without fail, she'd always answer with, "Oh Natalie!". I know she's better now, with God, my Grandpa and my sister, but gosh I miss her so much already. It makes my heart ache to know that Jackson never met her. She loved him so much and always reminded me what a "Dusdal" he was. I wish he could have experienced her the way I did. I wish she could have stayed around longer to meet future children and see more of us get married. I wish we could have had one last card game.
Evelyn Dusdal
July 12, 1923 ~ Novemer 18, 2011
In all fairness, she was 88 years old. She lived life to the fullest, and probably had more fun than most 20 year olds.
I used to joke that she sent me cards for holidays that I didn't even know existed. She never missed a birthday, Christmas or any special day in between. She'd write me a quick note in each card - usually telling me about the weather in Charlevoix or what a great time she was having in Florida.
When my family lived in Las Vegas, she'd spend her day playing Bingo while us kids were at school. She had gold shoes and full "Vegas" Clothes. She was gorgeous even in her golden years. I'd watch her put on her makeup, complete with cream blush. She'd bring me something special if my parents put her up in my room. I remember one time she game me a dolphin necklace with matching earings even though I hadn't pierced my ears yet. I couldn't wait to wear them.
Our summers in Charlevoix were a mix of sandwiches - and just sand. Her house is right on Lake Charlevoix, a place that will probably always bring me a sense of calm. I loved playing with my sisters and cousins on that beach and looked forward to each trip that we were able to take there.
Any memory I have of her is amazing. She was the grandmother any kid would be so lucky to have. We'd spend our evenings playing cards. If there was a card game, she knew it AND she'd have the patience to teach us kids. She'd always say "It's not over until it's over" when I would make note of the scores. My grandma would often times buy us a chocolate treat of some sort for our evening card game.
Her coffee table was covered in gossip rags. Any celebrity story, my grandma knew it. She was a sucker for QVC and reality shows. I don't know any grandma that is that cool.
I started calling her "Gma" long ago. She started signing her cards "Gma" complete with the quotations. Sometimes she'd cross out a cards sentiment and write in her own.
As I got older, I still found so much joy in calling her. In the last few years, I'd call her each week to chat. I'd sit in the parking lot of the kids' schools waiting for them to be dismissed from class and just listen to her stories. She was full of wisdom and kind words. She'd give advice but was equally as good at listening.
When I got pregnant with Jackson, I was 1700 miles from my family. I was going to be a 23 year old with a newborn, and while most would say that we were too young, or question timing, when I called her to tell her she sounded just plain excited. She told me what great parents will be and what a great blessing this was. She never once gave an ounce of doubt or gave any opinion that wasn't happiness. That's what every kid deserves - just plain love, a soft place to land when the world was just too cold that day, a warm heart to tell you that everything will be just the way God wanted it.
When she started having some problems, before I would get off the phone with her I'd always tell her that I'd pray for her. Her tone always changed, and she'd just say "thank you so much, honey". Even from so far away, the sound of gratitude was so obvious. And we did. Jackson and I prayed for her each night. I hope God tells her that we followed through.
We appreciated each others faith and enjoyed talking about God's plan and His love.
As I write down all of my scattered thoughts, I can still hear her voice. When I'd call, I'd say, "Hi Grandma, it's Natalie". Without fail, she'd always answer with, "Oh Natalie!". I know she's better now, with God, my Grandpa and my sister, but gosh I miss her so much already. It makes my heart ache to know that Jackson never met her. She loved him so much and always reminded me what a "Dusdal" he was. I wish he could have experienced her the way I did. I wish she could have stayed around longer to meet future children and see more of us get married. I wish we could have had one last card game.
I can't say that I have many people who have truly impacted me in my life the way she has. I have a select few that really have left me a better person - and she's certainly on the top of that list. I could call her and complain, or tell her something exciting or just chat - whatever it was, she'd talk it through like she had all the time in the world. If I was happy, she shared in that happiness with me. If I was sad, she gave me reasons to be happy. She gave me a dad who is by far the best dad I could possibly ask for. The way she raised her kids gave me inspiration on how I want to raise mine. I could never repay her for those things. I love you Grandma.
Evelyn Dusdal
July 12, 1923 ~ Novemer 18, 2011
