I adored my grandma Sharon, but never truly
knew how amazing she was until January 2011. To my sister Nicole and me, she
was the fun-loving grandmother who treated us like royalty. However, in January
after her long fight against ovarian cancer, I found that she was as special to
others as she was us. What I knew of Grandma then was that she was a spunky hospice
nurse wearing bright colors, kept a candy jar filled, and had the biggest
collection of teddy bears. What I did not know, was what her job meant and how she
affected people.
On the 29th of January I learned Grandma was
being admitted into the very hospice she had helped start. I did not know what
to expect as my family made a solemn trip to Jacksonville
Throughout the next three days there was a constant flow
of people, each with their own “Sharon Story”. I especially remember an elderly
sophisticated lady named Jean who led us in a heartfelt prayer. Jean was the
friend who had knit Nicole’s Christmas stocking, which I envied for its great
size my whole life. She told us the part Grandma played in the success of
Hospice and of times when she helped others, including Jean’s husband, in their
final days. Although Grandma grew tired and less talkative, the parade of
visitors continued. Friends came to say their goodbyes from Hospice, Sassy
Tappers, Red Hat Ladies, book club, and yoga. Eventually, it was my turn to say
good-bye
It is because of Grandma that I know what it means to
live your life to the fullest. I saw how strongly she affected so many people
in an honest and caring way. Grandma’s life may have appeared simple and
boring. She lived in the same city, in the same house, and worked the same job
for over 20 years. I learned in those three days that her life was truly full
and exciting. From her example, I know that I am more than the clothes I wear,
the friends I have, or the school I attend. I believe what made my Grandma so
special to all those people was her ability to accept everyone as they are and
without judgment. People knew that with her their secrets were safe and, no
matter what, they would always be loved. Grandma has inspired me to live my
life to its fullest by treating all those I come in contact with the same
non-judgmental acceptance. I believe through my care and support of the people
in my life I will achieve true success.
If there are times that this becomes difficult for me, I always have the
memory of Sharon Jewel McKinnon to help me. Thank you Grandma. I love you.
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