Mom's health has not been so good these past few years, but I think I have learned more about her during these years than I did in the first few decades. I'm still trying to process the change . . . a change that happened, possibly, when I began to ask her questions about her life and recorded her stories for the family. Slowly I began to see what she missed because of her lack of education and how the things she went through made her who she is. In the process she began to appreciate me for having other interests besides cooking and cleaning.
This brings me to an interesting visit we had with her recently. On Sunday after church, we went through Wendy's drive-thru and, with burgers and fries in hand, went to see her. I could not believe her excitement at seeing our fries! Everyone has been bringing her perishky and Zwieback . . . and here she was overjoyed at the prospect of enjoying some -"chips" as she called them. "Oba dit schmaekt gout." (oh, does this taste good!) is what she said as she dipped her fries. We just laughed! It was so unexpected.
Suddenly she looked right at me andsaid, "Nu shtoh mole opp!" (Now will
you stand up!) this kind of gets lost in
translation ... but it insinuates that
she wanted to check me out. When I
stood up, she confirmed my thoughts,
saying she wanted to see how
"modern" I looked. I found out again,
that nothing goes past this feisty
little woman, even at ninety two years
of age!
It was an enjoyable visit! For some reason I realized that she is not as stuck in her ways as I thought she was. Maybe the end of life really does make one consider life from a different angle.
14 comments:
Lovely post! Amazing the little things that please! My mom feels like 'she's died and gone to heaven' as they say, when we bring her KFC! Go figure!
I love this post Anneliese and I admire your respect and your relationship that you have honored over the years. I know the age difference must have been a challenge but look how she loves you and how she admires you . ..asking you to stand so she can see how cute you look.
This is such a cute story! So glad to hear how happy Oma was about the french fries :) Your outfit is awesome - a great trendy look this season...makes me want to go shopping!!
Love, Bonnie
You are probably one of the best dressed people I know!
Fries...who doesn't love 'em!?
What a sweet post. I actually wonder if she always had all that interest and admiration inside of her, but no one ever listened or gave her a chance to express it. Now...she is able to just be herself....enjoy things with a fresh persepctive. How easy it is for all of us to forget tha those who are 'shut in' just need the real world to come into their world...to give continual life and joy. You looked so modern and cute and I bet she is living off the blessing of the visit....the chips, the outfit....and more so the love shared. Kathy (MGCC)
My grandmother and aunt used to speak Low German in front of me so I wouldn't know what they were saying...So when I reached HS, I took German so I could understand them....LOL Then they told me about Low German and the stuff I heard in classes in HS....Silly me....
They have been gone a long time and this is the first time in years and years that I have heard Low German....Fond memories of my grama and how she taught herself English and managed to acclimate to Upper Mich from Germany. She was a fantastic cook/baker and I only have but a small few recipes in 1/2 English and 1/2 script...
Thanks for your post so I could remember my past...My grama's name was Eliese..
Oh, I can totally imagine this visit you described!
What a hoot! My mother-in-law was similar, and more like a grandmother to me as well. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 93. It makes sense that we would feel a bit closer to them in their old age - they become more mellow and we become more mature, so the gap is not as wide as it used to be : )
Wonderful post Anneliese. That would have made a great Wendy's commercial to have your MIL enjoying those fries!!
You are very modern! I love your clothes :)
I'm smiling as I read this...so sweet. And I love to hear bits of Low German once in awhile...it brings back memories of my grandparents.
You look smashing...in your 'modern' outfit!
We can learn so much from the older generation..we need to listen to them. You are a wonderful DIL, Anneliese!
I love her excitement for the fries:)
Loved hearing about your visit with Oma!
What a tender and loving response to your MIL. I love the way you are always seeking to grow and change in response to the events that God sends to fill your days. Your blog posts encourage me to do the same. Thanks, Anneliese.
You look very mod!:) Did U know I grew up speaking Pennsylvanian Dutch? I understood what you wrote, just a little tidbit I thot you might want to know:)Loved this post, it reminds me of my grandmother.
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