I learned from my grandmother how to be excited. How to be alive. How to sparkle.
I learned what it looks like to make people feel like they matter.
I learned that you can listen to the radio all night long and that at midnight when the station goes off the air, the static will be comforting.
I learned to love Lawrence Welk and the sight of my grandparents waltzing around the living room.
How to mix grenadine and seven-up and not use too many maraschino cherries.
How to ski, how to push the Barry Maninlow 8-track into the tape deck, how to rake the shag carpet in the living room.
How to order something in a restaurant.
How to check out library books, how to write a book report, how to use the card catalogue.
I learned that it’s good to sleep without underwear on so ‘things can air out.’
I learned to say yes, not yeah, and not call things ‘thing’ because there is a right word for everything.
I learned that not all adults know how to read. And that you can invite them over and teach them how at your dining room table.
I learned that people have long histories before you show up on the scene, and that if you ask, they will tell you about becoming a pilot, catching that big fish, and skiing the great peaks of the world.
I learned to love the crispy edges of her well done fried eggs. How to eat a grapefruit with a grapefruit spoon. How to hang quotes and reminders on the inside of the kitchen cabinet so you see them everyday.
I learned from my grandmother how to stay young: be active, see your friends, do crossword puzzles, join a tap dancing troupe.
That you can have rules for yourself, like walking away from someone who is being negative, even if it’s totally awkward.
I learned that if your grandma comes to school with you and sits in the back of the classroom for the day because she always wanted to be a teacher, it will only be weird for a minute. Then you will feel proud.
That maybe she didn't nail the mom thing completely, but that she knocked the grandma thing out of the park.
I learned that life is good if you believe it is.
How it feels to be adored.