90 years of life. » Brooke Bowland Photography Blog

90 years of life.

My sweet grandmother has been sick for sometime now. Yesterday, she decided it was time to finally be with my grandfather (he passed about 24 years ago) and made her way to heaven. I have so many wonderful memories and they just keep flooding my mind. Funny how these things catch you off balance…no matter how prepared you thought you were.

It had been a few years since I last saw my gramma. It was a personal decision and one which was made after much thought and care for what I felt she would have wanted from me. I am so grateful to have had the time that we shared growing up on our family farm. Two homes sharing a property…separated by a basement door…the nights my brother and I spent sleeping in her spare room on the twin beds with burnt orange covers and the way she was quick to fold them down to make sure we didnt make a mess of them. Playing junior scrabble and old maid…or best of all being taught crib. The day she showed me how to knit…although I have never accomplished more than a scarf. hehe. French toast for dinner and hot rollers in my hair any time I wanted. The bubble bathes my brother and I had in the jet tub when we were small…ha…with 3 inches of water and bubbles spilling onto the floor and who could forget the gummy bear jar. Of course her love for gardening and the beautiful flowers she selected to fill our yard every year always make me smile. I am fortunate to have these and many more memories. I am fortunate to have so much.

One of my most treasured memories is the teacup that I selected when I was very young. It was always a part of my time with gramma. My brother and I each had our very own. Tea was the time when we talked about life, love, family and were scolded for using 3 sugar cubes in a 3 inch deep cup. hehe. (That was mainly you Chris!). It was those special moments that I will forever hold in my heart and share with my children. A woman who taught me so much about life. A woman who continues to inspire me as a wife, mother and child. Thank you gramma for all that you did…and all that you didnt know you had any part of. You are forever loved.

penticton photography

by Brooke

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Brandi - Such a lovely post... I'm so sorry for your loss. I too lost my Gran this year and I'll always remember tea time as well :) Thanks for the smile and a reminder of how to celebrate life and our memories of those we hold dear.

alana bourque - I loved this post. I too have a teacup that was my grandmas. She died ten years ago on my son's 17 birthday and I can still recall it vividly. I loved her dearly. Isn't it wonderful that we can have such beautiful memories of someone so special. Although it is very painful when they die, the memories we keep are very beautiful and I believe help us in our life. I certainly have tried to be the grandma to my grandkids that she was to me.

Cathy Empey - What wonderful memories. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing with us.

Simone - Brooke, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing those beautiful words about your grandma. My grandmother is sick and so many miles away and your post is a reminder of my times with her and what I need to cherish. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Whitney - Brook, I am so sorry to read about your Gramma. I feel you pain in so many ways since I lost my Gramma a few years ago. I think I might even have that same tea cup from my Gramma... :)

Brooke - the lemon cake. best ever! i wish i had that recipe. oh we knew where the stash was, but they never quite tasted as good...funny eh? i bet they are so happy to be back together after so long...mwah!

BunkUnc - Awwwwww Brookie That was sweet!!! I Remember Sooooo many good times at Grandmas.. Always Breakfast for dinner The Best Lemon Cake EVER The Best applesauce from my Favorite apple tree The Gummybear Jar that was put up out of our reach...little did she know I knew where the bag was hidden in the Cupboard along with all the left over Halloween Candy.. The Banana Milkshakes the rootbeer floats and all the precious Memories and soooooooooooooo Much Love!!! I Miss her too Brookie but i know Shes finally chillin sippin tea and playin Crib with Gramps(i think he'd be drinkin Kahlua and milk though)now!!! I LOVE That Lady and will Carry her in My Heart Forever!!! I LOVE YA BROOKIE

andrea blair - so touching and heartfelt. my heart melts for your loss.

Michele Dyson - Probably the most touching post you've written.....you've made me feel like I knew her; even if just for a minute. She's a lucky lady to have been loved for so long:)

Jessica Hanaumi - Thank you for sharing memories of your sweet gramma!