Memories of my Grandmother
Hatt
When I reflect on those who influenced my life I know
that those I spent great amount of time with when I was young had the greatest
impact. One of those people would be my Grandma Hatt.
My first memory of my Grandma was her visit to
Grandma always made an effort to spend with her
Grandchildren. I have tons of memories of time spent on her house on Montye and Christmases with her there as well. I loved the
smell of her house and think of fresh baked apple pie, pineapple upside down
cake, the gas stove, and dove soap in her bathroom.
Other fond memories of the house include Dad’s
dresser full of great stuff from his childhood and military days. We’d spend
hours looking through his stuff. The stuffed monkey in the pink room, the dog door
on the back porch, the Christmas tree in the basement, Grandma’s room on the
main floor, the clogs from her trip to Holland that we all squeezed our feet in
to walk around, my friend Cathy next door and the laneway to get the candy
store.
My Grandmother had a strong sense of order and how
things should be done. I love that I have this from her. No matter how many
times we told her you don’t need carrot sticks and celery with pizza she just
wouldn’t relent. The importance of children eating properly is something I
often reflect back on now and know how much she cared for us. No was definitely
no but we could always get another Chiclet out of
her. She had them everywhere, always in her purse and a huge cup of them in her
cupboard. She had Chiclets like her mother Grandma Shaw had caramels. Grandma
always dressed to the nines. She had a beautiful wardrobe and always looked
well put together. Her hair was always perfect. I have to admit I also don’t
like wearing flat shoes as an adult and I remember how she used to tell me she
didn’t like running shoes because they didn’t have a heel. She’d love my new
high heeled runners. At twelve I thought this was the strangest thing at
thirty-eight I can totally relate.
Driving around with Grandma after she had her license
was a bit scary but what an awesome accomplishment to achieve when you’re in
your 50’s. As soon as I had my license she let me drive. We had a fun time. She
liked you to get over the lane you were going to turn from immediately so you
would be prepared for the turn, even if it was miles and miles away.
Grandma was a great listener and never said a bad
word about anyone. She may have said at one time or another she didn’t see eye
to eye with so and so but that was rare and as far as she’d ever go. She never
passed judgment on others and always asked after people. I hope I have
inherited this from her as well.
A great lady who I love very much.