By: Ava Webb
A FaceTime never gave her smile justice. The way her smile curved, the sparkle in her eyes, oh, how they glistened at just the perfect angle. I could tell how much effort she put into her hair. She always had the most perfect curls; she would put the perfect amount of hair into the curler, and it would bounce on her head so gracefully.
Although she lived far away, I could feel her warmth, her smile, every careful movement as though she was right beside me, guiding me.
She used to make handmade cards just for me. Since she was a great seamstress, she could transform some fabric into a beautiful masterpiece on a card. I once received a butterfly made of fabric glued to a card. It was also outlined in glitter and sparkles. She had no idea how much that meant to me, how whenever I make a card for someone, it could never compare to such a high standard she had set with her generous love.
She had taught me to be a lady, a seamstress, a businesswoman, like Barbie in real time. It reminded me of how “Barbie can do anything,” and so could I. Her daughter, Marcia, whom I call Grandma Chicken, was so inspired by her that she made quilts that sold for lots. They were very valuable, and then that inspiration came to me! I even kept one of Grandma Chicken’s quilts that still sits on my bed every day. This inspires me to do the same, which I have, in fact, done, making several blankets, pillows, pencil cases, and lots more.
People described her as a very classy lady. She was a genuine woman who looked as though she wasmade for first class. She also taught everyone how to make her signature chocolates. Everyone who tried these chocolates described them as the most delicious chocolate they have ever had.
One month, she got put in hospice, then two, then three. It kept doubling until the visits on FaceTime grew shorter. She didn’t put much time into herself, and I could tell she wasn’t doing well.
Then one day, I got terrible news. She passed. I could not feel anything, my body went numb, and my mind went blank. My heart broke, and I felt I could do nothing without her. Although she wasnt here with me i know I will have to keep going.
My love has always been the same for her, but in the end, you have to let go of it. It is hard, very hard for someone you love. Your love will always be there, but in the end, you have to learn how to accept change in love. But letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It means carrying her with me in different ways in which love cannot explain.
In every stitch I sew
In every quilt I fold
In every letter I craft
She may not sit beside me anymore, but her lesson lives in my mind to guide me.
She taught me that beauty comes from patience, care, and love. From then on, whenever I create something, I realize that a small piece of her is stitched into me, too.
Thank you, G-G-Sally, I will always love you deep in my heart. Even though you aren’t physically here with me, you will always be there in my heart, guiding me through life, marriage, heartbreaks, successes, and everything in between. Love, in the end, looked like this. Thank you.
The Roar 