Happy (Belated) B-Day, Grandma

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Happy (Belated) B-Day, Grandma

8 November 2008 63 views 6 Comments

Batch and tschilai endured me shooing them through Berlin last Sunday to get a picture of me in front of the Brandenburg Gate with two pieces of paper on which I had written birthday wishes for my grandma.

My grandma turned 85 this Thursday. The last time I saw her was about thirteen years ago. I was a teenager back then, but I remember how hard I cried when the plane left Magnitogorsk and took us to Moscow, back home, away from her. Since then, it’s always been college or work that kept me from seeing her. Maybe even my own insecurity, since I long lost my language skills. They would come back pretty quickly, possibly, once I am there, but I haven’t had the guts yet.

Today I visited my mom who got home yesterday. She showed me pictures of the family and then of my grandma’s birthday. I spent the most time looking at pics of my grandma. I miss her. Really, really much. There was one in particular that went right to my heart: my cousin printed out the picture of me that I emailed her and even put it in a frame. And my mom took a pic of my grandma looking at me, with tears in her eyes. That just … blew me away. I am actually crying as I type this. To see her appreciate this little gesture so much, to see her miss me that much make me - on the one hand - feel terrible because I wasn’t there. And on the other hand it makes me feel so happy to know she’s thinking of me.

So, by any means, happy belated birthday, grandma. I love you.

“…you miss the moments. And the moments are all we’ve got.”
- Dr. Stephen Franklin, Babylon 5, »Shadow Dancing«

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6 Comments »

tschilai said:

Glad to know she appreciated the shooing

Seriously though, I thought that was a great idea. And really, get you a$$ over there already…

[Reply]

Starstuff Reply:
November 8th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

Yeah, I think two were mentioned somewhere along the lines as well … you know, support personnel And yes, the next time my mom goes, I will most likely accompany her. Just this time, I couldn’t take the time off. But I will make time next time. I have learned my lesson when it comes to put things up for too long.

And, by the way, thanks again for putting up with me and my ‘the lights going away’ frenzy. It was worth it, really. Thanks!

[Reply]

klti Reply:
November 8th, 2008 at 11:24 pm

And really, get you a$$ over there already…

Gotta second that, seriously, do it while there is still time for it. I ran out of grandmothers about 2 years ago, sucks.

[Reply]

Starstuff Reply:
November 8th, 2008 at 11:56 pm

I know, I really do. Next time my mom goes, I will be there. Fortunately, my grandma is in good health so I am not (too) worried about anything happening. Of course, you never know, but I hope for the best. Until then, I can improve my Russian skills. So I will at least able to talk to my grandma without resorting to sign language and gestures
And my belated condolences on your losses. *hugz*

[Reply]

# 8 November 2008 at 10:20 pm

Jarsto said:

As someone who - to borrow klti’s phrase, has also run out of grandparents I second (or is it third) the recommendation to go yourself at the next opportunity. Obama made time in the middle of a campaign to go visit his grandmother, because once people like that are gone, you can’t get them back.

[Reply]

Starstuff Reply:
November 9th, 2008 at 10:39 am

My (belated) condolences to you as well Jarsto.

I’d probably have gone this time, but somehow my parents never really mentioned it and suddenly it was: ‘Hey, your mom’s leaving in two weeks.’ ‘Where to?’ ‘Well, Russia of course. Didn’t we tell you?’ Considering that traveling to Russia ain’t quite as easy as a spontaneous trip to France, for example, it was too late to include me.

Let me reassure you guys - and I am quite (positively) surprised at the urge you are telling me this - I am fully aware of how precious the time is we can spent with our loved ones. I made the mistake last year of putting up meeting a good friend when I had the chance and then he died in September. I didn’t keep in touch quite as closely with other friends as I could have and then they were gone too all of the sudden. That has been the hardest lesson I have ever learned and I have NO intention of having to learn it again.

So, here’s the promise: Next time my mom goes, I will be there as well (given that the circumstances allow it).

Thank you guys.

[Reply]

# 9 November 2008 at 1:22 am