It has been quite some time since I have posted. And as always so much has happened. But that can all be said later. The matter at hand is very important to me. And to many others.
Beth Colehour… known by so many , for so many different things.
I knew her as grandma.
In all of my reading I have come to learn of a theme called found family. And that so perfectly fits my sweet Grandma Beth. Many years ago my dad met my step mom. I was young enough that I don’t really remember my life before her and in turn that also means her family. I think the event/day that Beth welcomed me into her arms, her family and her heart was Christmas. I was young, just in elementary school. It was one of the years I had Christmas with my dad. And this year we were going to my step mom’s mom’s house.
As we drove I realized how nervous I was. I wondered if I would be fun and would they all like me. We pull up to this cute little blue gate with beautiful bushes, flower beds and arching trees. I could see straight to the puget sound. We knock and go into the house. Grandma welcomes us in. She comes down the stairs with an apron tied around her waist. The house has a warm glow, the lights are just right. Smells like Christmas. She has wide open arms and sweeps us into them.. Sweeps us into her lovely home. It’s filled with joy, laughter and music. I notice the cutest collection of marionettes. You pull the string and the arms and legs move. They do a little dance. Grandma hugs me and looks at me, with a warm grin I will never forget, she says “you can call me Grandma Beth.” Little did I know, I was meeting a lady who would be pivotal in my life and mean more than I will ever be able to put into words. She took my coat , hung it in closet and there began the magic.
I came to learn that Grandma made a very special and delicious punch. It was served in a beautiful crystal bowl. We used beautiful little crystal glasses. Inside was juice, lemon lime soda, ice ring with berries and sometimes a Dollop of sherbet. It was amazing punch, I looked forward to it at every visit to grandmas.
There were Thanksgivings, and christmases shared, special parties, birthdays, dinners, hours of little plays and dress up with the younger kids. The best gingerbread house making you’ll ever see. Songs around the piano. My grandma did it all.
With Grandma Beth I learned what they mean when they talk about found family. I wasn’t blood related to her but I never would have known that. I never felt any less than. She never missed a birthday or Christmas. I always had a spot at the table and the special gifts and surprises. Grandma mailed me a card every holiday every year, including halloween. But as life got harder Grandma only showed more love and more grace.
I had my first musical performance..and it was easily an hour away from them. And grandma came with flowers. She thanked my mom Jenni, and talked about how amazing I am. She invited us to a special Christmas and winter celebration with her family friends. When I needed someone most, she and grandpa Jeff came to Children’s hospital and played a board game. They visited for a few hours. When I needed somewhere to be, she had me for dinner. Early on she told me “you finish High school and you can have a party, I will throw you a party and you can invite whoever you want..” She told my husband when she met him to make sure I finished school. I finished and she threw the most special graduation party. She had decorations, a special cup, matching innovations that were really special…my favorite punch and a cake. When it came time for my bridal shower, I wouldn’t have had one if it wasn’t for her and my step mom and maid of honor. Grandma helped with all the food and setting it out. She was incredible. She spent so much time and energy setting up for my wedding. Her and Grandpa Jeff filmed it. And when I looked over during the nuptials, she had her hands clasped and the most adoring and happy grin. She gave me hugs, kisses and told me how beautiful I looked as she held me close. She gave me kisses on the cheek.
I had a love of theatre and was blessed to attend shows with grandma and because of her generosity in getting me tickets. I saw a few that were totally new concepts to me and I loved each one. I remember them with so much joy.
I don’t know if I would have had those things if it hadn’t been for Grandma Beth. I was shown the love and pride, that people so warmly talk about when it comes to Grandparents. The biggest moments of my life Grandma Beth stood right beside me, and often through the celebration. I have other grandparents who have also sadly passed on and a few that live far away. I truly would have never expected a grandparent gained through marriage , to show me this kind of love or do these things for me. I felt like I was the brightest star in the sky because of my Grandma Beth. “Here is someone who is so proud and loves me so much, they are doing three of the biggest celebrations of my life.”
When hard times hit.. grandma was there. My husbands parents, my husband and I all had gotten covid. My Grandma Beth made sure we had homemade soup brought over to us. In the toughest health battles and loosing our angel baby grandma was there with cards and phone calls and prayers. She said something I will never forget about her belief in me to be an amazing mother. My Grandma Beth showed me that I am a family jewel, that I was worthy of love and celebration. I needed to only be myself and being myself was something she and the rest of the family loved. I never had to dim my light. She showed me how to burn brighter. The grandma constantly there, showing me immense amounts of love… that’s Grandma Beth. I think of the grandma who sat in the audience beaming with pride and telling others near “that’s my granddaughter!!” That was Grandma Beth.
Writing this has taken time. Initially after her passing I had to cry…to feel the immense ache in my chest missing someone I loved so dearly. Trying to grasp the idea that I would have to live without her. That I wouldn’t see the beautiful smile or the warm hugs. Hear her welcoming us into the house. Not lookout to the audience and see her beaming with pride. I still feel this immense pain. But the world should hear of this amazing, eccentric, lovely lady I was blessed to call Grandma Beth.
I will cherish the last visit I had with her. She was so excited to see me come into her hospital room. I sat with her and talked to her. I held her hand and got to collect grandma hugs and kisses. To share a few moments of laughter, enjoy music with her. I Told her how much I love her and how much she means to me. I got to hear the same and more from her. She told me how much she’s loved having me in her life and watching me grow. And many other things I will hold close to my heart. She even gave me the last aid bit of advice. She was the most beautiful lady. You’d think the hospital gown was tailored for her, she wore it so well!
I know that grandma will never truly be far away. She will always be in my heart, and often in my thoughts. I am blessed to have had her in my life. I will be able to live the rest of my life content because I had that love. I know what it feels like. I will never need to go searching for it. I will have the amazing memories and pictures. I will share some pictures with you.
Beth was an amazing lady. She had a heart filled with love and care for so many. She brightened up any room she was in. TO be near her was to be near sunshine. You became a plant and she could feed anyones soul. An amazing and dear grandma. Always with us kids and doing projects or being our biggest fans. If you want to hear a lovely Christmas hymn she was the lady to go to. Need to make the best gingerbread house? She’s got you covered.
I love my grandma. I loved her here and now I will love her in heaven. She’s one of the best angels, I know that now and understand why god had to call her home.
May the loveliest grandma rest peace. Thank you God for sharing her with me. I pray for all those that knew her and loved her. We will need your strength and guidance to get through the rest of days without Beth.
Lovely tribute to.a lively woman.