Grandma Kay
Lyle Crabtree
Emily and her younger sister, Claire, flitted about the kitchen like worker bees in a hive while Grandma Kay, the dignified queen, oversaw the operation. Preparing Sunday dinner for their entire family was no easy task, but Grandma Kay always did so much for the girls that they just couldn't say no to helping her. It was their way of showing respect for Grandma Kay, and if they had learned one thing from Grandma Kay, it was to respect their elders.
"Emily, come here, and I'll teach you to knead the dough," said Grandma Kay. Her voice somehow had the authority of an army general and the kindness of a kindergarten teacher.
Emily observed as Grandma Kay folded, pressed, and rolled the dough like a sculptor molding clay. As she watched, Emily thought about how Grandma Kay had shaped her life. Grandma Kay had taught her about honesty, fairness, trust, and hard work.
Grandma Kay paused to inspect Claire's cake batter. "It still has lumps, Claire. You can do better than that. What do I always say?" asked Grandma Kay.
"Do the best job you can, no matter what," said Claire, reciting one of Grandma Kay's favorite phrases and rolling her eyes.
Emily gave her sister a sympathetic smile, but inside, she knew Grandma Kay actually lived by those words. At eighteen, Grandma Kay had immigrated to the United States from Ireland. She had always been independent, but upon her arrival in New York City, she was actually alone. Grandma Kay worked hard to earn a living and pay rent, but city life was too expensive. She soon moved to a much smaller town. For a while, Grandma Kay worked in a dress factory during the day and waited tables at night to make ends meet. Grandma Kay never let her difficult circumstances get the best of her, though. Even on the darkest days, she looked for the silver lining among the clouds. She threw herself into her work and smiled the whole time.
Later that afternoon, Emily, Claire, and Grandma beamed with pride as their family piled into the dining room. Everyone raved about glossy, maple-glazed ham, golden macaroni and cheese, herbed potatoes, and chocolate cake wrapped in swirls of raspberry frosting.
As Emily sat down, she looked at Grandma Kay, who stood with her arms crossed and a dreamy look upon her face. Emily recognized the look—a mix of happiness, satisfaction, and gratitude. It reminded Emily of another important lesson Grandma Kay had taught her: Be grateful for whatever you have. Emily looked at each person in the room and expressed her thanks, but her gaze lingered longest on Grandma Kay.
Grandma Kay smiled back at Emily, her eyes twinkling with affection. In that moment, Emily knew that she would always be grateful for Grandma Kay's guidance and wisdom.
As the family enjoyed their meal together, Grandma Kay shared stories from her past, each one filled with humor, resilience, and love. Emily listened intently, absorbing every word and feeling lucky to have such a remarkable woman in her life.
After dinner, as Emily helped Grandma Kay clean up the kitchen, she couldn't resist asking, "Grandma, how did you always stay so positive, even in tough times?"
Grandma Kay looked at Emily with a soft smile. "Because I had faith in myself and in life," she said. "I knew that no matter what, I could always find a reason to smile and be grateful for the blessings in my life."
Emily nodded, feeling her own faith and gratitude growing stronger with each passing moment. She knew that Grandma Kay's lessons would stay with her forever, guiding her through life's challenges and inspiring her to always do her best and be grateful for the good in life.
As they finished cleaning up, Grandma Kay hugged Emily tightly. "You are a bright and beautiful young woman, Emily," she said. "Always remember that, and never forget the power of gratitude and hard work."
Emily hugged her back, feeling the warmth of Grandma Kay's love surround her like a cozy blanket. And in that moment, she knew that with Grandma Kay by her side, she could conquer anything that came her way.