Great Grandma Jelly Bean

That was the nickname the kids had given my Grandma a long time ago. She had this jelly bean dispenser that you would turn something at the top and watch the jelly beans go down a little maze and then come out. She ALWAYS kept it stocked with jelly beans! I always tried to get the black ones. My favorites.

Great Grandma Jelly Bean, when I grew up she was Grandma Marjorie. Grandma Marjorie was an amazing woman. She raised 10 kids. 10. I love this number because every time someone had a new baby she would say "2 down, 8 to go!" She always wondered if any of her grandkids would reach 10. No one has yet.

When I was younger I remember Grandma taking really good care of my Grandpa Virgil. Grandpa had diabetes and he would try to sneak sugar whenever possible :) I was often at their house for lunch and I would remember he would test his blood and she would ask the number and he would sometimes lie about it and wink at me as if to say "shhhh....don't tell her" and if he told her the truth and it was high she would get him in trouble. And he would say "For hell's sakes, Marj, it's not a big deal."

After my Grandpa passed away my Grandma just wasn't the same. She was lonely. Despite the hundreds of descendants that she has...she was lonely. You could just tell. My Grandpa passed away in 2000, the same year as my brother. My Dad is amazing. I'm not sure how often he checked in on my Grandma...but I'm betting you it was a LOT. He's the oldest son. I think going on a mission was hard for him because he wasn't able to check in on my Grandma every day. Thankfully he has siblings and their spouses that took good care of her while they were on their mission.

One other thing I remember about my Grandma is she used to write in her journal. Every night or almost every night, I believe. When I'd stay at their house I remember watching her sit by a lamp in her chair and write and write and write. I would love to know what those journals say now.

Anyway, Grandmas are so special. Grandma Marjorie was my last grandparent to pass away. I will miss you, Grandma. I know you'll take good care of my Truman. Love you!

Anyway, I'll miss my Grandma Marjorie.