Contentment can sometimes be wrapped up in a dream.

 
My Grandma and me in 1975. I dig my Grandma's groovy collar.  The pink gingham pattern on her blouse is pretty too.  I have fond memories of her and her apartment near the airport in Toronto.  The planes were fun to watch from her balcony and I loved the sills for her windows, they were marble and at least a foot wide.  You could have sat on there like a windowseat.  She smiled a lot.  At least at me she did. Her bedroom was great too, she had a teddy bear collection that I envied greatly.   

I miss her so. She left us for the next life in 1997, the same year the world lost Princess Diana and Mother Theresa.  I remember how she loved Oscar de la Renta perfume, and when I smell it now I immediately think of her.

I miss my other Granma a lot too. She passed on in 2005.  She laughed a lot and liked to feed us.  If you weren't eating, she wanted to know why.  What is the matter, are you sick? Eat! Eat! I have dreamed of both my Grandma and my Granma.

In the one dream I met my Grandma (pictured above) and her cousin Phyllis in a 1950's restaurant booth.  They were much younger in the dream, and had hair like 1940's movie stars.  My Grandma sternly yet lovingly told me that I would never dream of her again, that she had to move on.  They then left, smiling and waving from a convertible car.  I felt content, as though she had left me something to get me through. 

The dream in which I met my Granma, we were walking along the most beautiful beach at sunset.  She was telling me how happy she was and how amazing things were where she was.  Seagulls were flying overhead, the sun blazing, the waves lapping at the shore.  Families gathered for picnics and my Granma and I walking along wearing sundresses and floppy hats. It was also a very contented dream.  {Grandad you listening? Maybe it is time you paid me a visit.}

Sometimes those dreams and simply recalling them gets me through a day.

May all your dreams be sweet, contented, and may you meet up with someone you love the next time you lay your head down for sleep.  They will come when you least expect them to.

xoxo

Comments

[Tara Bradford]

So touching. Wonderful you have such treasured memories of your grandmothers (love the photo)! In Nepal, I met a very old Tibetan woman who was singing as she fashioned strands of wool. Kindness and strength - and suffering - just radiated from her. She was a survivor. And she reminded me very much of my late grandmother, who was a talented seamstress. My other grandmother was a librarian, who encouraged my love of reading. Grandmothers are so special, aren't they??!! Love to you, dearest Gill (p.s. You look about 12 in that profile photo in your sidebar. :) xoxox

[Tracey]

What a sweet story. And you were so cute!

I remember having a dream about my Grandfather. We were hugging but I knew it was a dream. I said to him, "It feels so good to hug you and see you again. I love you so much and I'm so happy right now. Sadly, this is just a dream, and it's not real."

He answered, "Feelings are always real."

It was such a genius answer that I know it wasn't a dream. Only he would come up with something so perfect.

xo

[Yoli]

Just dabbing my eyes here with my hankie. I too miss my beautiful grandmothers. I, their only mousy grand daughter in a sea of handsome grandsons. Still, they made me feel like I was the prettiest child on the planet.

Hold onto your beloved grandmother's memories.

[Tanya]

My mom's fave perfume was Oscar and it always makes me think of her too :)...the perfume and Trident mints!

Beautiful memories and dreams...

Your dreams painted a vivid tangible picture in my imagination. I smelled the 50's diner and heard the seagulls. Wonderful words. Thanks for sharing xo

[Gigi]

I love those dreams, especially of your grandma and her cousin driving off in a convertible! I feel like those kinds of dreams come just when we need them, just like those people whom we loved were there for us when we needed them.

Hope you're having the most fabulous birthweek (one day is just not enough) ever!

xoxo Gigi

[Marilyn]

I love your dreaming. Grandma's can be very special people in our lives. I had a step-Grandma who loved me like I was her own. She tried to teach me to knit, still not good at it. We would watch her soap operas together. Sometimes when I am driving alot I picture her, my Grandpa, and my Mom sitting in the car with me. They are amazed at the new cars, but they are loving the ride. I hope you have had a spectacular week.