Tchuss Oma
My Oma passed away on Sunday morning. Oma was 97 years old and amazing. She was one of the bravest, kindest, honest people I have ever known. Oma brought four children from her native Germany nearly sixty years ago. She and my Opa came to a land where neither of them knew the language, the money system, the customs. Together they worked hard, raised five great children, built a home in America. I cannot fathom leaving my home, taking my children across the sea and starting over. That is one of many reasons I admire my Oma so much.
When I was little, we would travel to California to see Oma, Opa and much of my Dad's family, once or twice a year. German wasn't spoken much in our home and it always took a day or two for us to feel comfortable. Oma worked hard to coax us out of our shyness. She always had cookies and cakes and treats lining her cupboard. She made THE BEST meringue and chocolate cookies. She also made amazing creamed potatoes, abelskivers (we looked forward to them every trip), apple cakes and dozens of other things.
Oma loved to play cards - she was a card shark hidden in a sweet German Oma!! She taught me to play rummy, 31 and swickern. She could beat anyone! :)
I loved to sit with Oma and talk - she told the best stories. Stories about times in Germany, her travels, her adventures on her farm in California - she would sometimes laugh until she cried - those are the times I cherish most.
As I have grown up - I have been lucky enough to travel to Oma's as often as possible. My kids all have good memories of Oma - they all love her. I am so grateful for all of the time we had with her. I am glad I've been able to see her sense of humor - boy, did she have one!
Oma, you will be missed more than you could know by more people than you realize. You taught me so much. You listened. You spoke. You laughed. You made us laugh. I hope you are enjoying your reunion in Heaven - husbands, parents, siblings, friends, children. What a party!!
You have helped me become the person that I am.
I love you.
Tchuss.
5 comments:
I'm so sorry...I love how you talked about the reunion in heaven. It's probably so true when we lose someone here, that they really are reuniting with so many loved ones up there. It's so touching to me to think of death that way and makes me want to cry reading the thoughts about someone even though I didn't know her. Let us know if you need anything. love ya!
Thanks Ash! I really believe there is quite a reunion taking place right now. It makes me smile - I can picture it in my mind. :) She was an amazing woman - I will miss her. Love ya!
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Oma very well, but from what I know about her, she was truly an amazing woman. Just think of all of the cool stories that your kids will be able to tell their children about their great-great Oma (I'm not sure how they say that in German.)
That was a beautiful tribute you paid to her, Shannon. She sounds like an amazing individual. Thank goodness you were able to enjoy her for as long as you did.
Thanks guys. She was amazing! I will miss her but am so happy I had her for so much of my life! :)
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