Our grandma was the one who wore glittery scarves, her house was filled with hundreds of cardinal figurines and she shared her love with an entire community.
She was like many other grandma's, so we thought. It wasn't until after she passed away, when we realized how greatly she had impacted the small community where she was raised and lived her entire life. We always thought she was just our "grandma" but the small children at Dassel Elementary, where she volunteered for 17 years shared a bond with her, like no other.
She initially started volunteering to give back to her community, because her family had received so much support when two of her children were cared for, while living with hydrocephalous.
The volunteering, soon turned into a passion and a growing love for the children who she saw each day. After her sudden and unexpected death at 85, my family was so taken back at how she had impacted the school.
We always knew she loved the kids, but didn't realize how the kids depended on her hugs, loving words and support every single day. Each of the kids and teachers were heartbroken.
In the following days, after her passing, the sidewalks surrounding the school were filled with colorful and innocent heartfelt messages to "heaven" and Grandma Dorothy. When I first saw this scene, my eyes swelled with tears. To think I thought she was just a grandma.
As the first Christmas season draws near, where our grandma is not here with us, and our hearts are lonesome for her, I try live in honor of her. Give more hugs, say kind things, be someone's rock, and love endlessly. I am truly inspired to live a better life because of her. I am honored to call her Grandma.
