When someone mentions their grandmother, most people conjure up a similar image. And it’s not a velour-sweats-wearing, sporty-car-driving, Bachelor-watching, spunky lady who barely looks like a grandma, let alone a great grandma of four (soon-to-be five). Yep, my grandma—or Nana, as I call her—is different. She’s, well, cool.
I’ve known this since I was a kid. Every visit with her involved adventure. From a young age I would hop on a plane in Northern California to go spend a weekend in Southern California with her and my grandpa (who left us with wonderful memories when he passed away my senior year of college). My first visit we walked out of the video rental store with two selections: Heidi and Thriller. And I loved both. In a way, the strange combination represented Nana—she’s very well mannered and respectable (just ask the board at any LA museum), but has a wonderfully edgy side that keeps people on their toes.
Through the years, she, her sister and their friends taught me how to body surf at the Beach Club in Santa Monica. And also how to pocket (or purse) Red Robin menus. Nana not only indulged my celeb stalking around her neighborhoods—Tina Turner in the early 80s and Kirk Cameron in the late 80s—she took my friend and me on her own authentic Hollywood Star tour and snapped pictures of us in front of every Rodeo Drive landmark that was featured in Pretty Woman. (Not to mention the penthouse suite at the Beverly Wilshire where my grandfather’s uncle, a famous movie star, once lived.)
When I ended up going to college in LA, Nana’s coolness was confirmed (as if that was necessary) by each friend of mine she met. Any time she would come to take me to lunch or attend my sorority events, people would gush about how lucky I was. And I couldn’t help but agree.
After college, we hit the streets of Paris together, along with my equally fun mom. I can’t imagine falling in love with that city or laughing that much with anyone else. My poor French got us fries for breakfast instead of fruit, lost instead of found and a lot of eye rolls. But we saw every lovely site imaginable during the days—Nana’s knowledge of history is unparalleled—and spent our evenings rocking out in Sephora (which hadn’t made its way to every mall in the US at that point) growing our souvenir collection of black and white candies and giggles.
At our wedding, Nana showed her spunk, not only on the dance floor (thanks to years of teaching Cotillion, and some impressive freestyle moves too!), but by saying, “Mmm, mmm, deeeelicious!” during the big kiss. When my boys were itty bitty babies, she was down on the floor tickling them, and out in the waters of Maui swimming with them. Now that they’re growing up, she’s teaching them about the world from her life experiences. After an entertaining chat with Big about the animals in Africa, she put together a photo album for him of pictures she and my grandfather took on safari. Big loves it, not only for the animals, but because GG (short for great grandma) made it just for him. No doubt my baby girl will discover her own reasons for falling head over heals for GG as she grows up too.
It’s true, my grandma isn’t your ordinary grandmother. She’s extraordinary. And if you ask me, that makes me one of the luckiest girls in the world.
This post was inspired by the fun novel 29 by Adena Halpern, which I received a free copy of as a member of From Left To Write, a blogger’s book club. While the lighthearted, sweet story is about a 75-year-old grandmother who makes a wish to be 29 again, the part I loved was the grandmother/granddaughter relationship. She was a cool grandma too, and I couldn’t help but reflect on how much fun I’ve had with my Nana through the years.
Jodie says
April 10, 2011 at 7:52 pma really special post, amy! So glad you were able to have such incredible grandma time!
I remember one of my grandma’s teaching me to play poker and how to sing “Toot-Toot-Tootsie”… she also bought me a bottle of “Charlie” perfume when I was in elementary school – ha!
My other grandmother only spoke Chinese, but she taught me to play rummy and let us ride around on her lap when she was pushed in her wheelchair :)!
Thanks for inspiring me to think about how incredible my grandmothers were, too!! xxxooo
Amy says
April 11, 2011 at 1:10 pmI’m so glad this could bring up some special memories for you too. My other grandmother and I played rummy for hours and hours together too. I’d forgotten that. Thanks to you for the reminder, too!
Michele Spring Fajeau says
April 12, 2011 at 8:25 amAmy – Your Grandmother sounds like a gem! I suspect after this blog, she has a whole crop of new mom fans that want to “grow up” and be just like her when we become grandmothers (including me!).
Amy says
April 12, 2011 at 11:18 amThanks, Michele. Me too!
Simona says
April 12, 2011 at 11:23 amShe is truly a wonderful lady and you are definitely blessed…I know she is certainly a big part of the amazing person you are today! I just lost the last of my grandparents so please savor every moment with her for me :)XOXO
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 12:47 pmI’d say all the ladies from that part of our family tree were characters and we have been so lucky to know them all through the years. I’m so sorry for your loss and hope that you have great memories to hold on to through the years. We’ll be sure to get together next time she’s in town!
Emily says
April 12, 2011 at 11:33 amHow lucky you are to have a happy, healthy, awesome grandmother!
Lucy thought Ellie was pretty cool too, but I guess Ellie didn’t see it.
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 12:48 pmI just printed this and sent it to her (see, she can even be cool without a computer) because I want to remind her. I’m hoping she feels as wonderful as she is! Thanks for the good thoughts.
Adena Halpern says
April 12, 2011 at 11:45 amThank your for your amazing post. I am in love with your grandmother. My beloved grandmother died when I was 11. She would have been good friends with your grandmother. All these years later, I miss all the things we could have done together. It’s the reason grandmothers usually feature so prominently in my books.
Thank you to you and and your grandmother for putting this a smile on my face.
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 12:51 pmThanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts, Adena.
No doubt your grandmother would certainly be honored to know that you bring her memory to life in your characters. That’s such a beautiful tribute to the grandmother you loved. Though I was 21 when my grandfather passed away, I feel the same about him. I always talk about what a wonderful man he was and I want to be sure my grandmother knows how highly I think of her while she can still enjoy it!
Michelle says
April 12, 2011 at 12:05 pmThat is awesome! My Gram was very cool, too, though in a completely different way. She unfortunately died only a year or so after I graduated college, so she never got to know my husband or my wee ones – something that makes me so sad every time I think about what they – and SHE – are missing out on. I love that your grandma is so cool and that you’ve always had such a great time with her… and hopefully will for a very long time to come.
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 12:54 pmThanks, Michelle. I completely relate. My grandfather passed away when I was in college and I constantly wish he knew my family and they knew him, too. I just try to tell lots of stories in the hopes that they love him through my memories.
CameSawShopped says
April 12, 2011 at 12:50 pmAnd now, we see exactly the kind of grandmom that you are going to be…
you have a great role model!
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 12:55 pmI do have great role models, you’re right! Now if only I can loosen up a bit…maybe that will come with age and wisdom. 🙂
Shannon says
April 12, 2011 at 1:50 pmYour Nana sounds like a great lady. Love the photo!
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 4:13 pmThanks so much! Me too.
Brandi says
April 12, 2011 at 2:43 pmBeautiful post! Seriously, this post makes me smile! This makes me think of my grandmothers, and, although they are both gone, I am grateful to have similar experiences with them as you have with your Nana!! Oh, and the picture is super awesome!
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 4:16 pmI’m so glad that you could relate. Here’s to creating great memories through the generations to come too!
Brenda Bartella Peterson says
April 12, 2011 at 4:01 pmAmy, I have no doubt that by the time you are a grandmother, you will be the coolest granny in town! What a great role model you have!
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 12, 2011 at 4:17 pmHa, I can only hope to be so cool. I think part of her secret has been staying active…she goes to exercise classes far more often than I do. Guess I better start training now!
Cooper's Mom says
April 12, 2011 at 5:00 pmSo sweet. I hope your grandma reads every word of this 🙂
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 13, 2011 at 1:24 pmI did print it and mail it to her, but I’ll have to do it with the comments…I think she’d get a kick out of them!
Darryle says
April 12, 2011 at 8:09 pmYour grandmother sounds just like the grandmother I would have wanted, the kind I know my mother would have been if she’d lived to see her grandchildren, the grandmother everyone would want. You’re not only blessed to have her, but even more to know how lucky you are.
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 13, 2011 at 1:25 pmThanks so much for the kind words, Darryle.
Eunice says
April 12, 2011 at 10:25 pmYour grandmother sounds awesome! Mine passed a few years ago and I still remember her and dream about her. The grandmother/granddaughter bond really is a very special relationship! Thanks for bringing warm memories back for me.
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 13, 2011 at 1:26 pmI’m so glad you have such fond memories to enjoy now that your grandmother has passed. Remember her often!
Kristin says
April 13, 2011 at 10:48 amYour post brought back floods of great memories of my own grandparents, and made me long even more to see my 96 year-old Grandfather this summer! Your Grandmother sounds so amazing – it’s wonderful to have such a special relationship with someone from an older generation.
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 13, 2011 at 1:27 pmEnjoy your trip to see your Grandfather! How amazing that he’s lived so long and that you’ve been able to create memories through the years.
April says
April 13, 2011 at 10:49 amAww, sounds like a great grandmother! I only have one grandmother still living, but we’ve always been in separate parts of the country, and never had the opportunity to become really close. On the flip side, my daughters are incredibly close to my mom, so at least we’ve improved with a generation!
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 13, 2011 at 1:29 pmWhile I don’t see my grandmother nearly as much as I would like to since I’m back in Northern California, I am lucky that we get a few great visits a year. And it makes me really appreciate the role my parents and my husband’s parents play in our kids’ lives. I’m so glad to hear your girls are close to your mom…so special!
Melissa says
April 14, 2011 at 11:20 amWhat a lovely homage to your grandmother. Mine was much more buttoned-up than yours–always had her lipstick on, worried about what everyone thought and kept her apartment spic and span. But others told me stories that she once was called “gypsy” for the way she dressed and told people’s fortunes…I wish I had known that wilder grandma. Yours sounds like fun!
Amy, Using Our Words says
April 14, 2011 at 4:01 pmDon’t get me wrong, my grandma can rock a St. John’s suit with the best of them. But she also knows how to let her hair down. I hope you continue to enjoy the stories people share about your grandma’s other side.
Brian "lil brother" Sneed says
June 7, 2011 at 3:11 pmI need not say anything more, NANA you’re the BEST!