My brother Daniel told me Grandma Bright was having emergency heart surgery. At first, like most people, I thought the worst. Would she survive? Will I make the funeral? But then I thought about the impact she has had on my life and how much she means to me.
My earliest recollection of Grandma Bright was visiting her at work, The Anniston Star. It's a newspaper in Anniston, AL. She was the proofreader. I knew exactly where her workstation was. She had her dictonary and corrective pencil with her. She would mark the errors so they could edit the text. Her vocabulary was, and still is the greatest I know of. She wipes out crossword puzzles faster than I can read the clues. I loved going to see her at work, smelling that awful newspaper room (which was wonderful for a kid), and hearing the constant noise of all the machines. I loved it so much, I got my own paper route. It was awesome.
I never heard Grandma complain about work or anything else for that matter. And this is a woman who grew up during the depression, was stricken with polio that gave her virtually no use of her right arm. She never drove a car and her personal life by all accounts was no picnic. I know enough of it to realize I probably would have gone crazy. She has three children, eight grandchildren, and I think, 8 great grandchildren.
After I graduated college, she and I flew to Frankfurt, Germany where her son Tim, my uncle, was working and living at Ramstein Air Base. The three of us traveled to Munich, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and all over Germany. We visited castles, landmarks, museums, rivers, lakes, and about anything you can think of. She always wore a red jacket and was almost impossible to keep up with. It was not only one of the greatest times of my life, but I felt so special to spend time with her. I always feel sorry for those who never get to know their grandparents. I got to know what she liked, her favorite foods, drinks, thoughts, as well as her dislikes. I got to learn from her, little things that only a grandparent can know. I learned so much just by asking her simple questions. I got insight that only later would I appreciate. I can only hope that she thought as much of that time as I did. I stayed in Germany while she went home to Alabama. Our time in Germany would be our last true time together.
Grandma is a woman of faith and a devout Christian. She would take me to Church when I was a boy. We never missed a Sunday. She never pressured me into believing one way or another. She never tried to persuade me that I had to believe a certain way. I enjoyed it so much as I learned about religion and its effect on people. I never have understood why all religious people don't act like Grandma.
Growing up, Grandma was always there. Graduations, funerals, birthday parties, barbecues, camping weekends, ball games, and more. I can't imagine not having her around. I have never heard one bad thing said about her in public or private. No in-law jokes, no "why is she butting in" discussions. We relied on her and we needed her. And she never failed to show up or keep a promise. I have often stated that I had the greatest childhood in history. Grandma had a lot to do with that. She never yelled at me in anger. She never hit me. She never said no. She ALWAYS said "I Love You." She always had a present. She always had a smile. She always had a snack and a glass of sweet tea. I got her to show me how to make her perfect tea but I never could get it right. I always asked her to iron my clothes. Not because I was lazy but because she was the greatest ironer ever. One handed even. Incredible.
Grandma, I Love You so much. I hope you know the impact you have made on my life. I will talk to you soon. I hope you are feeling better. I think of you always.
Your grandson , Wayne
