My Grandma Skelley (we never called her “Ann” or even “Annie,” as so many relatives did; she was always just Grandma or Grandma Skelley to us), she was a firecracker. I mean, this woman was the original badass in my world. Grandma liked to stay up late, play cards, drink 7 & 7s, LAUGH so so so much, gossip about the neighbors, tell inappropriate jokes, shoot guns, smoke Marlboro 100s, and bring us M&Ms when my mom preferred we stayed away from sweets.
She was one of the greatest, and I mean GREATEST loves of my life. She had a strong energy, that kind where you’re like, do NOT mess with this woman, but also be sure to fall into her for hugs as often as possible because GRANDMA HUGS. And she loved like no one I ever knew. She gave us as much as she could, without hesitation. She delighted in her grandkids. She cooked for us while we played with her 1960s cosmetic case filled with poker chips. Her house smelled like pink Dove soap and cigarettes, and I loved it. To this day, I cannot help but pick up a pack of cigarettes that have somehow made their way into my presence, crack back the cardboard lid, and breathe deep. I loooooved that smell, because it was her. We were JWs when I was a kid, but Grandma would make sure we had presents for “New Year’s Eve” and DEFINITELY NOT CHRISTMAS, OKAY.
Good God, how we adored her. She made everything better. I miss her even now, more than two decades after she left. I hope my grandbabies feel as much love from me as I felt from her. Happy birthday, my badass Grandma! So much of who I am is because of you!!
Categories: Musings, Uncategorized
Kelly Wade 