LESSONS LEARNED AT GRANDMA’S HOUSE

Alright, after weeks of in depth field work and experience, I’m here to report my findings. For decades, rumors have circled the globe, tall tales about what it’s really like to live through such an experience. People have been doubtful, including myself, unbelieving that such fantastical stories could possibly hold any truth. And yet, they do. Once and for all, I am here to put any questions to bed.

Living at Grandma’s house is indeed the best.

There. I said it. Sorry mom, I know such harsh truths can only hurt your feelings, but I cannot lie. If you’d like a better review, perhaps you should try taking a page from Grandma’s book.

For an entire month of my life, I was blessed, to live with my Grandma. I knew going into it that those days would be ones I would look fondly on when they had passed. However, I never could have imagined the fun I would have, or the laughter that would be shared. Those truly are moments I will treasure all my life, and not just because I could eat however much ice cream I wanted and still be told I was a catch.

What surprised me the most was how many life lessons I learned. Grandmas are full of wisdom, so I should not have been shocked to gather such nuggets of truth, but it was not only she that took the time teach me. Uncles and cousins also took it upon themselves to share their knowledge with the lowly girl from New Mexico.

So, being the kindhearted soul that I am, I haven take it upon myself to compile a list of the best things I learned at Grandma’s house. For those who do not have the opportunity at such a treat, I am sorry, you really did miss out. However, hopefully scrolling through my many teachings will give you the feeling of being at Grandma’s.

LESSONS LEARNED AT GRANDMA’S

• A dessert is not a dessert if it does not contain some form of chocolate.

• I have every right to despise Lulu, she really is a pill.

• Not all hats are created equal.

• It takes exactly a week and a half to binge watch Downton Abbey. Not that we would ever do that.

• Sometimes, you just have to live on the edge and get yourself a Fresca.

• It’s never the obvious choice in a crime show, and it’s definitely never the first person they arrest.

• Love does indeed transcend the grave.

• Apparently, the family discount for plane rides is $100 an hour.

• I should love myself a lot, because I’m pretty great.

• Sometimes, the boldest form of strength is quiet and kind.

• My grandfather was the most handsome man to walk the earth. Even more attractive than Charlton Heston.

• Backroads are the best.

• Never settle for someone who doesn’t make you weak in the knees.

• Costco holds the market on muffins, gas, and vegetable lasagna.

• It’s far more important for shoes to be comfortable rather than fashionable, but it’s great when they can achieve both.

• Cousins make the best of friends. Sometimes they even make you laugh until you cry.

• There’s absolutely nothing that chocolate can’t fix.

• I am much more like my mother than I originally believed, and am so grateful for it.

• The perfect ratio for any beverage is two ice cubes to one glass of liquid.

• Service to others is the best way to cure a broken heart.

• Sad? Watch Pride and Prejudice. Guaranteed to make you smile.

• Even if you don’t have a lot in common with someone, you can always bond over laughter.

• Proper attire for moving patio furniture? High Heels, obvi.

• Hot Take: King Henry the VIII, not a great dude.

• Always check for wind before wielding bug spray.

• The best way to treat yourself is a stack of books aside a pile of snacks.

• Chanel No. 5 never goes out of style.

• If you don’t like ham, you don’t belong in this family.

• Grandmas like to give you compliments that no one else would ever think to. Accept them and believe them, for Grandmas cannot lie.

• There is immense, incredible power and healing in a gratitude prayer.

There are probably more, but I’m selfish and want to hoard the best ones all for myself. I am so grateful for the time I spent at Grandma’s. Often I have thought that I have veered so off the plan for my life, that even with the best of guides I’d never be able to find my way back. However, spending that month with you helped me to see that I am right where I need to be. There is nothing I would trade for that time with you and our family. I believe every twist and turn led me to that moment, and I am so grateful for it.

So, thank you Grandma. Thank you for the kind words, the many laughs, the stories about Grandpa, and the words of wisdom. This was a love letter to our time together, one I hope you treasure as much as I do.