Queen to the Graham Family, my Grandma Elizabeth (Betty) Kathleen Graham.
Born in Wallaceburg, ON, I don’t know much about her parents or can’t remember, but she had two older sisters, Jean and Dorothy. Those three would always be seen together. Actually, while looking at pictures, she had more than 3 siblings, but she was closest to Jean & Dorothy.
My grandma was full of life; she was always on the go. She was known as the social butterfly. She made friends everywhere she went and usually joined everything she could get her hands on. She was a painter, learned Ti Chi, and was part of the women's guild at the Kingsville Legion. She was also involved in her church and attended church socials. Every year, she would be at Kingsville Park for the Hyland games.
She was funny and knew how to make you do things you didn’t want to do. KFC or any chicken was her favorite food. She would burn pretty much anything she cooked and loved burnt toast. She would make sure she burned it, let it sit, and then put butter on it so it would not melt into her toast. She also loved popcorn.
She loved to play cards and taught us how so that we could play with her; I think she cheated occasionally! Lol.
She never learned how to drive, or if she did, I can’t remember her ever driving. I know we drove her everywhere, or Grandpa did when he was alive.
She was married to the love of her life for over 50 years; they had five kids and those 5 kids gave her 9 grand kids. She loved them all, but I think she loved her grandkids the most. 😊 she protected my brother's ass more times than I can remember!
Their marriage is something I look up to. There were hard times, good times, devasting times with the suicide of their second son and other events throughout their 50+ years of marriage. But they were a team; they could be caught groping each other on the couch, even in their 70s! My friends that is a rock-solid marriage I pray I can achieve.
Toward the last 15 years of her life, she had a lot of health issues, which ultimately was her downfall. After my grandpa died, I would drive into town and make sure she got her groceries, and she would always take me out to dinner at the Chuckwagon for good ole broasted chicken.
These moments were just her, and I enjoyed spending time with her.
Grandma Betty's gifts to me were:
· Live like no one is watching
· Be the princess
· Make memories
· Family is everything
· You only live once, so do things while you can
· It’s ok to ask for help
· Make friends everywhere you go
· Build a life with your partner that others can hope to achieve for many generations
· Siblings can be your best friend if you choose
· Play the game and play to win
· Teach others all that you know
· Relax and enjoy life you only get one to live
We had so many great Christmas memories with her that I can’t decide which is my favorite. She has taught me that life is short, that you should go after everything you can, and that you can build lifelong friends while doing it.
So, this holiday season, be like Betty Graham, make a new friend, and create new memories that will last for decades.
I would love to hear from you and have you share your favorite Christmas memory of your grandma.
Write to us or comment below if you see this on social media. I would love to build new memories with you, and let's leave a legacy of friendship for generations to come.
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With love and gratitude,
Dorothy
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