When I think of my Grandma Lou...
When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of a fierce, strong, and independent woman. Growing up, she was one of my heroes and still is to this day. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of her living on a ranch in the middle of some tiny town surrounded by fields and farm animals. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of her dedication to her family and how selfless she was. How, without blinking, she took on the motherly roll of raising her sisters, her own children, and her grandchildren. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of how intelligent she was and how knowledgeable she was on so many topics. She shared so much of her knowledge and passion for nature, cooking, organizing, indigenous peoples and their cultures, collecting, California’s history, and so much more. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of camping and family gatherings. She was the linchpin of our family. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of how proud she was of all of her children and grandchildren. I remember her beaming when being included in my accomplishments and events. I remember her telling my mom after she got sick that she didn’t care, she was going to make it to my 8th grade promotion. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of a woman who could always be counted on, no matter what. A woman who never gave up, who stood tall and steadfast against all adversity. A woman who never complained. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of pink lipstick and turquoise jewelry. I remember her teasing my mom about not ironing enough. When I think about my Grandma Lou, I remember how crafty and good with her hands she was. I remember her sewing together Halloween costumes for us. I have a specific memory of wearing a handmade GoGo dancer neon green dress that she sewed for me for Halloween. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I think of panning for gold and exploring nature. Rain or shine, we were going on adventures. When I think of my Grandma Lou, I smile and remember the legacy left behind by this amazing woman. I remember her with fondness, respect, and awe. I love her and will always miss her.
Adventures with Grandma
My Grandma Lou was a strong, brave, brilliant, and overall incredible woman. As a kid I loved my time with her because it always meant we were going on an adventure of some kind. One place I remember her taking us was Coarsegold, CA to pan for gold and learn about the history of the California Gold Rush in the area. One time we went and it was absolutely pouring rain, but that didn’t stop her. She whipped out some ponchos and made sure we all powered onward sifting through mud for tiny specks of gold. I’m pretty sure I still have that gold somewhere if I looked for it hard enough. I miss my Grandma Lou so much and just hope God knows what a beautiful angel He has in Heaven.
Our Protection
Grandma Lou was our person of safety. She was the one person we could count on, no matter what. She taught us how to care about school and ensured we learned the importance of leadership and acceptance. She never gave up on us and never once avoided the extra work that raising her grandchildren caused. A million stories through the good and the bad would never do her love justice. She wanted us to have the best experiences in life. Grandma always always put others first. I'm so grateful for everything she did for my siblings and me. Grandma, you are so very loved and missed. When I think of Grandma Lou, I think of... sleepovers and hideaway beds, TV (MASH and Diagnose Murder), camping, 4-H, county fairs, toast and oatmeal, meal planning, cooking three meals a day, horses, budgeting, holidays (mostly Christmas), Native American history, reading, 20 minute afternoon naps, Muffin and Molly, audiobooks, Birkenstocks and SAS shoes, antiques, crafting gifts, collections (Barbies, GI Joe, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Wades, pewter, hair bottles), making homemade Halloween costumes, yearly Christmas ornaments, Santa Claus, refinishing furniture, family reunions, Jell-o and pudding, summer activities, California Missions, school projects, photo albums, cookbooks, caretaker of her sisters, kids, and grandkids, teacher, rodeo, braiding hair, rose garden, canning, sewing, always early and never late, Highlight magazine, organized cupboards, daily journaling, tough as nails, and endless love. - Katie Gill (Dan's daughter)
