Grandma Kristina, as we always called her, migrated to America from Sweden when she was just 16 years old. She had a twin sister who stayed in Sweden – my great-grandma was the adventurous one, she wanted to see the world. Somehow she ended up in Toronto, Canada, where she met the man of her dreams, Sven Svennson, who also had originated from Sweden. They fell in love, got married and moved to Washington State.
I have lots of wonderful memories of her, though I was fairly young when those memories were indelibly imprinted on my psyche. She was a smallish woman with snow white hair, round rosy cheeks, a mischievous sparkle to her clear blue eyes, always had a smile and a kind word for everyone, and spoke with a lilting Swedish accent. We used to visit her and my great-grandpa every Sunday, and even though my dad told her not to go through any trouble for us, she would always cook a huge meal. She had a stool in her kitchen that was especially for me to sit and watch her work her magic.
She was an awesome cook – she was patient and would explain everything she was doing – to me, this small child invading her space in her kitchen. Luckily I was young enough – or old enough – to retain all that she taught me, I’m grateful she was willing to teach me instead of simply banning me from the kitchen. I have clear memories of her standing in the center of her kitchen, explaining what type of knife she was using, the ingredients she was putting together, the technique she was using. I can picture her standing there with her curvy figure enveloped in her favorite apron, a spoon in her hand, a smile on her face, and a smudge of flour on her cheek or nose. I pay tribute to those warm cozy days, the ‘quality time’ spent with her in her kitchen; her kind, infectious smile and bright twinkly eyes. I’m thankful for having had her as a large part of my life during my impressionable years, and for instilling in me a passion for creating.
Very sweet post!s Its awesome you have great memories of your great grandma!
she sounds just lovely! what a special relationship you two had! i had a special stool in my grandma’s (mimi’s) kitchen, too.s
I love this post!s I didn’t get to know any of my Great GP’s.s But my Grandparents were a large part of my life for a long time.s They helped shape the person that I am today!s You are so lucky to have known them and been able to learn from them!s
That was a very sweet post…And what a special relationship you shared!s
What a lovely post for someone who obviously meant so much to you!s She sounds like she was a very sweet person!
I love this post, it makes me yearn for my grandma’s (both passed on) presense again… there is something about grandma’s that give us such great memories. She sounded awesome!
Thank you so much, Kelleye!s I’m so glad that I was ‘old enough’ to retain all the wonderful memories I have of her.s She was truly a sweetheart! 🙂 s Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thanks, Deb!s She always made me feel very special, that’s for sure!s That’s cool that you had a special stook in your mimi’s kitchen, too!s Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
I definitely agree, Katie – I feel very lucky that I was able to enjoy their presence – one of the benefits of my mom and dad having kids so young! 😉 s Granparents and Great-Grandparents are such an enrichment to a young child’s life, that’s for sure!s Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
Thank you very much, Helene!s She was definitely a very sweet person – when I grow up I want to be just like her! 😉 s Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
Thanks, Mimi – all of my grandparents have passed on as well…I think watching my Little Princess interacting with her grandparents brings back all those wonderful memories, and makes me wish they were still around to enjoy their wisdom and the joy they brought to people. 🙂 s Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
Oh what a great tribute to a great lady! Grandma’s truly are the best.
What a lovely tribute–you are blessed 🙂
Your grandma seemed like a wonderful woman.s I’m sure she would be proud of this Tuesday Tribute.
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Davida
She sounds like she was a wonderful woman!s Thanks for sharing her with us! 🙂
Thank you very much, Tara!s Grandma’s are the best! 🙂 s Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
Thank you very much, Megan! 🙂 s Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
My family history is similar in that my grandmother came over at 14 and never saw her family again. It’s really amazing. I don’t think that I know any teenager today that could do that. Last spring I went to visit Ellis Island with my daughter and it was really emotional. If you’ve never done it, you should visit.
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Love you pic of the day too 🙂 .
Such a touching tribute. It’s great you have such vivid and warm memories of her.
I agree – I don’t think teenagers today are ‘wired’ for that kind of adventure. 🙂 s That is a great idea to visit Ellis Island – so much history to explore!
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Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
Thank you very much, Elle!s I’m thankful I retained those memories, they definitely had/have an impact on me! 🙂 s Thanks so much for stopping by! 😀
Such a nice post 🙂
Thank you very much, Firefly! 😀