Remembering in Philadelphia

So what did I do? I promised to blog more often. Yeah, guess what I didn't do? Blog more often. I bet you won't believe any of my promises anymore, but I hope we can still be friends.

Everyone has been asking me lately, "I miss your blog. When are you going to update it again?" It's so flattering to know anyone out there DOES actually read this! Know what else? It makes you feel guilty for not keeping up with it.

Since I have been bad about cooking lately, I thought I might just write a quick post about a trip to Philadelphia this past weekend.

Last week, I was in Philadelphia for my Grandmother's memorial service. She passed away in February, but the brothers and sisters decided to arrange a memorial service later in the spring when more grandchildren and friends could attend.

Oddly enough, this was the first time I have ever slept at this grandmother's house. I always loved her home. It's an old (built circa 1900!) row house located in Roxborough, an area in Philadelphia. One of the coolest parts of her house was the third floor. I always thought it was neat that you could see the skyscrapers of Center City from her third floor window.

My grandmother, Betty (otherwise known to most of us as Mom Mom) had the most infectious giggle. Even though she faced some very hard times throughout her life, she was always able to leave the past in the past and focus on the present.

 

When we saw her this past fall for her 90th birthday, she was smiling and laughing. I will always be glad I was able to be there to celebrate with her.

On the day of the memorial service, the weather was predicted to be rainy, but it was such a beautiful day. It was just warm enough to make you want to sit on the porch all day. Look at how blue the sky was that day! Amazing. Even though it was a sad day, we enjoyed the time with all of our family who came from all over the country to be together.

The church where we held the service was absolutely beautiful, inside and out. Although I love my home state of South Carolina, there is something special about these old stone buildings.

 

Saying goodbye on Sunday was especially sad. Have you ever left a parent or grandparent's home, knowing that you will probably never cross that threshold again? It's a strange and sad feeling, like you want to remember every little nook and cranny and the memories you made there.

 

I know I will never forget sitting on those steps in the living room, waiting for my turn to open presents on Christmas morning.

Or the back (secret) stairwell and racing my sisters to see who could get to the bathroom first.

Or looking out the top story window to see the Philadelphia skyline.

Or eating Cheesesteaks from Dalesandro's at the dining room table.

Or the radiators. Or the stone wall out front.

Goodbye, house. We'll miss you.

 

 

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