This is a story about my great-grandmother Anna, or as I like to call her, Grandma P. She lived in a neighborhood surrounded by family and had one child of her own, my poppy, and an amazing husband. 

My Grandma P was an amazing baker and cook. She made all kinds of delicious things. Once or twice a week she invited her family over for dinner. Since most of them lived right next door, they would walk right over and enjoy a scrumptious homemade meal. Unfortunately, I was not alive when she served her amazing food and I myself have never tasted something she made. But, my Mimi cooks her recipes and boy are they good! Her recipes will live in our family forever.

As Grandma P grew older, she moved into a nursing home with her husband and my other great-grandma. She spent a good eight years in the nursing home and was visited almost every day by my Mimi. On holidays and her birthday, we used to check her out of the nursing home and bring her to Mimi’s house or mine to celebrate. Every time I visited her we would bring her her favorite candy or food, then, she would open her special drawer filled with jewelry, candy, and other fun little gadgets for me that she won playing games at the nursing home. I used to get so excited when she handed them to me. 

While we were there we also took her to play bingo or participate in any other events that were happening that day. Somehow, she seemed to win many games and was a bingo pro. We used to take walks outside and enjoy the nice breeze in the air. Many times, I would even bring her crafts I made to decorate her room.

One of the many things I remember is going and sitting with her in the lobby to talk; that was something we did often. I always loved seeing her smile and something that made her do that was when we took my dog Amber to visit her. She absolutely adored her and loved petting her. We took so many pictures together and made some great memories! 

My Grandma P was such a thoughtful and kind person to everyone and everything around her. Everyone adored her and she had so many accomplishments, such raising a great son and being an amazing cook and baker! 

Volunteering for Love For The Elderly brings me comfort knowing that our elders are feeling loved at this stage in life! Especially during the pandemic, our elders aren’t getting visitors, so just sending a card will brighten someone’s entire day!

My great-grandma was a caring lady and I hope to be the same one day! She has truly inspired me to help make a difference for elders just like her.