Grams was an amazing woman and I had the privilege of being her only grandchild. She lived a life that was amazing to listen to, loved others like no other, and gave of herself beyond what was ever expected of people. Born in Arizona, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, as her parents both passed by the time she was 2. She likes to tell the story that she never really understood race back then and never considered herself Mexican (although she is 100%); Aunt Josie never spoke Spanish in the home. Grams always said that when the census takers came, she made the point of writing on the form, in big, bold letters, 'AMERICAN' because there was no box on the form for this 'race.' She was so proud of this.
She worked in the family's grocery store in Douglas for many years before leaving for CA with her cousin, Joie. There she met her love, Howard, before he shipped out for WWII. She stayed back in CA and waited for him for 4 years with nothing more than letters she wrote and received. Once back, they married in Brisbee, AZ, and took off for Brandon, MN, where Grandpa was from. Every one of their four tires on the car went flat during the ride! She loves to tell the story of not having any idea how to cook and learning how to make coffee from her sister-in-law, Lucille, Grandpa's brother's wife, who lived not far from them. They began to farm and soon had their only child, Archie; she was given a prognosis of being barren, so a child was a thrill for them.
They continued to farm until Archie left for the Navy. In the 1960's they left small-town Brandon for big-city St. Paul, living at 123 Summit near the Cathedral, working for the state. They retired years later but spent a significant amount of time volunteering at the Serviceman's Center at MSP, even bringing me with them at times. They gave so much of themselves for me, carting me to and from band practice in the summer at Battle Creek, watching me often, taking me to Twins games; basically spoiling me. They didn't miss Opening Day for years. They traveled to 48 of the states and had incredible stories from each. Grams kept a daily diary that I am still in awe of. Grandpa kept beautiful rose bushes and I always loved smelling the freshly cut flowers when I visited.
However, as time passed since the death of Grandpa, Grams longed to be with him. But she braved her battle with macular degeneration that took her eyesight with grace and dignity, she stayed in her home until she was 92, and she listened endlessly to her Twins on the radio as often as she could, although there were times that she lost hope in them (but haven't we all?).
Grams was my best friend and a wise woman. She always scolded me to be more respectful to my parents when I was younger, which I now appreciate. She took my husband in like her own grandson and never stopped talking about how much she enjoyed that someone was taking care of me. She was overjoyed with the birth of her great granddaughter, Samara Lilly, and showered her with so much love. She gave more than she received. And in the end, she left a big hole that can't be filled...
Grams and Mara at Christmas 2010.
Grams and Mara exploring Mara's shirt at her birthday, 2009.
Grams so loved interacting with Mara.
Christmas 2008 at Grandma's house.
Grandma's first time meeting Mara, May 2008.
Wearing her Wild jersey! A true fan!
Enjoying Mara's itty bitty-ness!
My absolute favorite picture! Grams and me.
Grams and me.
1978
Grams and her cousin, Joie; Douglas, AZ; 1921/22.
Sgt. Howard A. Vickerman (handsome as ever!).
Grams' Aunt Josephine Mason (who she always referred to as 'Mommy')
Grams and Grandpa, after their wedding, on their way to Brandon, MN.
