Friday, December 30, 2016

Thank You, Oma

My oma passed away yesterday.  We knew it was coming and I'm thankful she is rejoicing in heaven–she made a great entrance, I'm sure.  After losing my mom at the young age of 53, there is something "right" about loss in old age; it's sad but it makes sense and is expected.  There are so many characteristics about oma that I appreciate and I see some of them in my own daughter. Oma loved to chat; she would grab my arm throughout our conversations as she needed that physical connection.  She was animated and I always felt like we had a private inside joke going on with her winks and smiles.  She had wonderful dutch terms of endearment that she used for us frequently like lievy (dear) and every conversation was full of "Ja ja" and "Niet niet" (yes and no). 


My oma loved giving and receiving cards and letters so we could keep in touch as she lived in Alberta.  She took a huge interest in us all and did an amazing job at remember the names of the important people in our lives.   She taught me how to knit while singing dutch songs and prayers.


She loved to tell stories about the "olden days" and her courtship with opa Louis (who passsed away in 1978 and who I am named after ).  I don't remember her giving us physical gifts (other than hankerchiefs and used books) but the gift of time and her prayers for us contributed to who we are today and is much more meaningful. 

{My grade 7 grad}

One of my favourite childhood memories was when she would come to our home in the summer and walk with us to the corner store.  This was a very rare treat and we were each given 50 cents to spend.  I would buy five 2-packs of jawbreakers each time (ironic that I actually have a permanently dislocated jaw now).  While walking she would sing her favourite dutch songs or have us recite Psalm 121:1-2 which was one of her favourites "I life my eyes up to the mountains–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."  Once oma took my friend and I to the movies, it must have been for my birthday.  We saw Honey I Shrunk the Kids and oma sat a few rows behind us and slept the whole time. 

{At oma's house in Alberta–she had just given me a book and encouraged a great love for reading.}

Oma was positive, encouraging and enthusiastic.  She made us feel important–I bet each grandchild felt like her favourite. In one of the last cards I had from her it said "Well Louise, may you have strength for each day and good hope for tomorrow".  Oh, did she loves her hymns.

{Oma with Nya in 2013}

Thank you, Oma.

Love,
Louise

3 comments:

  1. Sorry for your loss, Louise. She sounds like a great lady.

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  2. A lovely tribute to your grandmother!

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  3. I'm sorry for your loss, Louise! She sounds like such a lovely lady (and much like my Grandma!). SO glad there is peace knowing where she is and Who she is with :)

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