The "Scheich" Family: Grandma Bea

Dear Grandma Bea,

Even though we knew your time here was not going to be forever it was still very hard to say good-bye. I can’t believe that exactly one month ago I was playing 500 Rummy (a card game) with you trying my hardest to win because you were so good (although you were getting all the wild cards). I just didn’t think now would have been your time to go.

Last Saturday (April 9th) was the last time I saw you. We went to see you in the hospital (Theda Care Room #619) and I didn’t know what to expect walking in. Even though I was told this would be my final good-bye a part of me really thought you would pull through. I know that sounds ridiculous considering that the Dr.’s had given up, Hospice Care was already there and you were put on Morphine but come on we all know how stubborn of a person you were. Part of me was relieved when you did wake up and I leaned over you to say hello that you could respond to me. You said, “Hi Tami” (you knew who I was), you said “Thank you for coming” and “I Love You”; being able to hear you talk was a sigh of relief. We stayed with you for an hour and a half and then said good-bye. We left so that Sawyer and Mason could get some energy out.

We called my mom at 4:00pm and said that we were coming back up to the hospital and that is when she told me to leave it the way it was because you were no longer coherent. What? Even though I was told over and over again that your end was coming it was still a shock to me; how could three hours make that much of a difference?

Now all we have are memories. Here are just a few.

Pickle Roll-Ups!!!! These were your signature item; you brought them to every party and if you forgot we made sure you knew you forgot! I remember the times you would make them at our house sitting at our dining room table. You made sure each one was perfect and you wouldn’t let us eat the good ones before the party but the scraps were fair game! I think we had it timed out how long it took you to make one roll-up because we (well for sure I did) came running the minute we knew there were “butts” of the roll-up available to eat.

That UGLY Wreath!!! I once made a wreath for you for Christmas. I was only 9 when I made it which for that age I guess it wasn’t that bad looking but looking at it now, YIKES! What surprised me the most was remembering that wreath hanging up on your kitchen closet door for the longest time. Every time I went to your house I felt so special knowing that you were proud of my wreath.

Dawn!!! Nope I am not talking about the dish soap; I am talking about the name I never knew I had! My mom and I went to see you one day while you were working at Target. You were introducing us to one of your co-worker friend. After you introduced your daughter Donna (my mom) you then turned to me and said “And this is my granddaughter Dawn” immediately you looked at me and starting laughing and said “I don’t even know a Dawn, this is my granddaughter Tami!”

Washcloths!!! All thanks to you I have enough washcloths to last me years. Now when I see a washcloth I don’t just think of a plain washcloth I think of you sitting in your chair just being content. I guess I should really take that to heart; the fact that it’s okay to just sit, be still and do something you enjoy to relax.

These are the memories that stick out the most but there are so many more. I won’t forget how you laughed, the way you would smile when you saw me coming or how you would give me a big hug – oh the memories!

I Love You Grandma!
Your Granddaughter Tami (AKA: Dawn)