Grandmother
In Memory of my Grandmother
Teofila Grodzka (January 6, 1923 - December 3, 2006)
When my mother, my sister, and I came to Canada in the early 90s, our first home was that of my Grandmother. Having never seen the house in pictures, I had imagined endless times what her house must look like
I had imagined a large yard with hundred year old trees, and a home that few grownups dare imagine for themselves. A child’s vivid and spontaneous imagination poorly reflects reality, but like imagination, reality has surprises of its own.
I remember the many newspapers, magazines and books that filled the kitchen table and the living room. My Grandmother loved to read. Every day, she spent hours reading. She didn’t care much for fiction; She found the world we live in more interesting than anything anyone could imagine.
The house always felt warm and secure. Everything fit quite well. I remember my Grandmother come and go as she took the bus to go swimming and visit her friends, or, on the cold days watched nature and animal shows on TV, while cracking and eating hazelnuts.
Soon, the modest house with all its imperfections was defined not by that which the eye could see, but by that which was felt and experienced inside. The house became a home.
Having raised four children on her own, lived through five years of forced labour during WWII, and worked as a nurse for two decades, Teofila never lost her strength or resolve to go on and make a difference in the lives of the people around her. Even in her planning for the days and years after she is gone, her kindness and generosity will benefit those of us left behind.
Teofila’s final wish was that her body be donated to the University of Manitoba for medical research and advancements. My first instinct was that of just wanting her to rest; I didn’t want her to be a research project. After she passed away, her face looked so peaceful. She finally looked at rest and that’s how I wanted her to stay. But my Grandmother never thought that way, she always put others ahead of herself. And for that, and so much more, she will be missed and remembered.
December 8th, 2006 at 0:35
It was lovely when I first heard it, and it still is. Eulogies are never easy to write; congratulations on a touching piece.
December 8th, 2006 at 0:44
Thank you. Out of the running around, calling, faxing, emailing, and meeting in preparation for the memorial service, this is the only instance where I feel I gave a bit of my real self in a meaningful way. I wasn’t sure how to write the eulogy, and I decided the most honest and pure way was to do it journal like… fill it with thoughts that are naturally there, not try to think of ‘appropriate things to say’.
This is one entry that will not get edited for content. Ever (I did change the title, but that was not part of the eulogy anyway).
Thank you for being there for me, my Grandmother, and my family. While the world does feel a lot emptier, we know we are not alone, and that is a priceless feeling at a time like this.
December 12th, 2006 at 0:55
hey buddy.
That was very well written, and evoked good pictures in my mind. You did well. Again I am sorry I wasnt there for you and yours, and I know that you did well. She lived a full life, and that should be celebrated. Taker easy man.