Kristin Armstrong Brown
There are many things about my Granny that I loved and will miss. She was fun, spunky and larger than life. She had a way about her that always seemed warm and inviting. She made me feel loved. She was the one I would tell the school nurse to call when I felt too sick to stay at school. I knew within minutes my Gramps would be up to fetch me. Funny how homemade potato soup, cable TV and Braum's cookies and cream ice cream always made me feel better. I will miss our special times we had together. We could shop till we dropped, eat Mexican chips until we were sick or enjoy a margarita or two. No matter where we went, we were sure to have a few laughs together. When Gramps would see us off he would ask what time would we return. She would holler "Tuley, you will see us when you see us". He knew that could be a few hours or more. My favorite story to share was when my Granny overheard my mother Donna telling someone Krissy was just like her Granny Ruby, to which she sarcastically replied "I see nothing wrong with that". I enjoyed hearing that story told almost every time my Granny introduced me to someone. Through the years, I have been called little Ruby Junior. Her love of good food, shopping, spending money, bossing her husband and being late to everything certainly rubbed off on me. Family would tease us often that we were both on Ruby time. I don't think we meant to always be late I just think we both liked grand entrances. She was loyal to our family. I can't recall one birthday party or holiday party she ever missed. She always put us first and would be the life of the party. Having her there meant the party would be fun like her. I can't say how much it meant to me to see her and Gramps walk into my son and nieces graduation party two weeks ago. She told me Krissy, I wouldn't have missed that. These past few years have not been the easiest on her. She never once complained or pitied herself. She was tough as nails and a fighter. When we would pick her up, she continued to keep her beautiful smile on her face. She would look like a million bucks too. She always thanked me and appreciated me and my sisters coming to help her. The many doctor appointments and hospital visits seemed to be a blessing in disguise because it gave us precious time together. These moments are priceless to us. All of the times we got to spend together were so special. I will miss that. I will miss her many phone calls when she would say, Krissy this is your granny, call me back. She always ended those calls with an I love you. Every visit was ended with a "come see me Krissy". Boy, I will miss those words. At the end, I was so very proud to be with her. The last day she spent on earth, she was still her spunky self and compassionate to us. When we got Gramps up to see her at the hospital he said Ruby, I was worried about you in which she replied very sweetly, I'm sorry. She fought the good fight. She told me she was ready and I looked into those spirited eyes and knew I had to let her go. The world is certainly not as bright now but I know I will see her again. Until then I will rejoice in our memories and all the moments we shared. What a wonderful legacy she leaves behind. I could not be more proud to call her my Grandmother. I will leave you with the words my Grandpa said to her as he left the hospital after she passed. See you later, Sweetie.