Memaw

Rounded Edges, originally uploaded by orosky17.

"Although the time of remembering our loved one's passing always tugs at our hearts, the assurance of their joy in heaven helps us move on with comfort and a confident hope that we will see each other again" - Roy Lessin

Tuesday afternoon I received sad news from my dad - my Memaw, Ila Rose Baylor, passed away. She was 93 and lived a long, good life!! The funeral is tomorrow morning so please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we travel, come together to share memories and say goodbye. Thank you for all of the calls, emails, e-cards and texts you have sent my way. I truly appreciate all of them!!!! I thought I would leave you with some of my favorite memories that I have of my Memaw:

- Growing up, she lived in Smithville, Tx (the town where Hope Floats was filmed). The house was very old, but it always gave you a sense of comfort. I loved that house and still remember every room, every nook, exactly where the furniture and nick-nacks were placed. I loved listening to the rain hit the tin roof, loved soaking in her huge claw-foot tub and still remember the sound that the screen door made as you went out back to sit on the steps. I still giggle thinking that if you were to pick your feet up while sitting at the dining room table, your chair would roll across the floor because the house had shifted over the years.
- I spent time every summer visiting Memaw. During the day we would watch Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune and Let's Make a Deal on her tiny black and white T.V. We would work on puzzles, play dominoes, and occasionally drive downtown to get a Slurpee. At night we would drive to the surrounding towns with her friends, Granny and Dora, to hit up all of the bingo halls. We would leave early so we could pick out the right cards and get the best selection of Kolaches :) I was always terrified to yell Bingo when I actually had one. I hated all of those people staring at me, LOL. We played Bingo every day, except Wednesday and Sunday - those were church days!
- Memaw loved her jewels. One of my favorite things to do was pull a little red leather ottoman over to her huge dresser she kept in the hallway. In the top drawer, was a little girl's dress-up dream. She had beads in every color and shape imaginable. Plus a variety of clip on earrings. I always helped her pick out which combo to wear when we would leave the house.
- She loved showing me off. We would hit up the neighbors, the beauty parlor and even drop in on her friend's at work. At the end of the church service, the preacher would always ask if anyone had any announcements. Memaw would proudly rise and state to the congregation that I was in town visiting.
- Memaw loved to cook. She made the best pork chops and soft carrots. However, one time she made banana pudding and forgot to put the bananas in. We made sure to give her a lot of grief over that!
- Ross and I were talking about our favorite memories the other night and we both agreed on one. We had been dating for a little over a year and offered to drive her back home after celebrating Christmas. The house was a little stuffy when we got there since she had been gone for awhile. We dragged her bags and gifts into her bedroom and were sitting on the bed waiting for her to come in and tell us where she wanted everything, when all of a sudden we heard her whisper "don't mind me, just freshening up a little". We looked at the doorway and saw her hand reach around the corner with an air freshener can. She gave a few sprays and went to the next room. I guess she was trying to give us privacy, but it was so odd that we broke out in massive hysterics. Til this day, Ross still imitates that scene to make me smile.
- I'll never forget that Memaw always smelled of fresh powder, always had to sit in her recliner and put her "face" on before we left the house, loved redbirds and always kept Three Musketeer's in the vegetable crisper of her fridge.
- I will never forget her kind eyes and strong faith. I have many great, loving memories of my Memaw.