Grandma Loraine

This past week, on April 26th I lost my beloved grandmother Adeline Loraine Myerscough. But to everyone that knew her, she was Lori or Loraine. I'm struggling to find the words to write. It has been a long struggle for her on her journey to heaven. So while it is a blessing that she is finally resting in peace, my heart is still sad knowing that she is gone. Three years ago she suffered a stroke and we lost her. She spent her last three years in a nursing home unable to talk or walk. And I don't want to remember her that way. I want to remember the strong, active, determined woman that she was. That is how she lived her life. She was a perfect example of how to live a healthy life. She walked, she went to curves, her and Grandpa were a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor. She ate right and she enjoyed sports. She excelled at bowling and golf. Many times beating my grandpa on the course. I can't count the number of days she spent on the golf course with my sister Laura and my brother Matt. She loved golfing with them and they are so fortunate to have those memories.

Her family was her everything. She wasn't a woman of many words, and sometimes showing affection was difficult for her but her actions showed just how much we all meant to her. She raised 5 boys of her own but also took in others. When my great Aunt Carol was left without parents at a young age she took her in, no questions asked and was a mother to her. When Carol went through a divorce she helped with her two daughters Vicki and Jackie. There are several other stories of her opening up her heart and home to those in need.  Raising five boys though, that in itself makes her a saint. They moved often and she always went with a smile on her face. She made sure they had breakfast, lunch and dinner on the table. She was the most organized person I've ever met and had a system for keeping track of their laundry. I don't know how she did it.

And style, well she had a style all her own. She was always dressed to the nines, her nails always polished, hair always done and makeup perfectly in place. And her jewelry was always BIG. She loved turquoise and that is what I will remember about her. Always adorned with big bracelets and rings. Once when my parents were in Florida for one of Laura's golf tournaments I stayed home for softball practice. I stayed with them and had a friend over. Grandma and Grandpa came home from a night on the town and she was wearing black leather pants. My friends kind of gave me a look...but it didn't phase me at all, that was Grandma.

 

She loved her grandkids, never missed an opportunity to come to a sporting event or music event. I can remember when Grandpa was retirement age and they were living in Robinson, IL. She told him he better retire or she was moving to Charleston without him. So retire he did. She was ready to be in Charleston with her family. Her favorite time to be with her family was on Christmas Eve. We spent EVERY Christmas Eve with my Myerscough Family until about 4 years ago. My dad was with his brothers for 57 Christmas Eve's in a row. That number is impressive to me and a testament to how much family meant to her.

While she is gone, I know we will meet again. I know that she is in heaven catching up with Aunt Karen and I have one more angel looking over me and my family. I know that she is at peace, waiting to dance with Grandpa again. I love you, Grandma.