Everyone else called her Charline, but I always called her Grandma Deen. She was one very special and classy lady. I don't just say that because she was my grandma, but because she was truly special. She always did and cared for others her whole life. Always putting others before herself.
For years she made practically all of mine and mom's clothes. She had the greenest thumb of anyone I have ever known. All these shows on TV with the "top" chefs, well they could have learned a lot from grandma. She made the very best chicken and noodles ever.....and yes....she made the noodles herself. I think she is probably the only person in the world, whose fruitcake people requested and actually ate at the holidays.
I will always cherish the summers I spent with her when growing up. I "helped" her can all kinds of stuff. I'll be honest, shucking all the purple hull peas was not one of my favorites. She made everything from the best grape juice ever to pear preserves that would melt in your mouth to elderberry wine.
Right now I am very sad and selfish, as I would love to have her back here. But I know that she was ready and wanted to go home.
She was one truly talented and remarkable woman. I hope when I grow up that I can be at least half the woman she was.
I will always love you and miss you, Grandma Deen.
JJ (aka stinker)
