A Tribute to Lorene ‘Grandma’ Laughton (1919-2006)
I can’t help to smile when I remember her cheerful face lighting up. Her hand would begin to bounce off her lap as she joined in “Yam, ba, da, ya-dee, bum-ba....”. For the joy of life had stuck a chord and she was not going to be left out. Oh, to experience the beauty of her spirit once again. I can only pray that these memories remain engraved in my mind as a score to a song well sung.
She grew up and lived in Vancouver her whole life. I can remember the visits to the old house on Flemming St. (the one where my mom and her two sister were born into). As I drove her home after family dinners she'd tell stories her youth. From meeting grandpa to singing on the CBC the drive home never allowed enough time.
Like a true musician she taught piano well into her 70s and it was only a couple of months ago, at the age of 86, when her legs and breathing restricted her from singing in the Bonsor community choir. Such a voice and talent the local choir masters would fight over her involvement as she was forced to withdraw her body unable to keep pace with her spirit. (I guess God want to fill out his alto section)
She leaves behind a legacy in her family. A home built on the rock of Jesus and close to 55 years of happy marriage with grandpa before he passed away. A friendship built with love and respect. It set the standard for the generations to come. As a family we play, work, laugh and cry together. Seldom far form the action grandma would be there taking it all in and when it was time to celebrate she was the first to pull out the credit card to pay for dinner.
An encouraging heart she never failed to take interest in what interested me. Taking the time to ask me about school, work and girlfriends then offer her concerns, support and advise. During the Olympics I got a chance to spend a Friday evenning with her, a night well spent. Laughing at beavers, talking about hearing aids and celebrating victories there is something about her presence that was just to be enjoyed.
Thank you Grandma we'll do our best to pick up the melody where you left off.
PS. Kudos to God for keeping her out on loan for an extra 6 years.
posted by neseirf ekim at 12:54 AM
3 Comments:
Thanks for sharing this with us Mike. It sounds like she was a great lady full of the Joy of the Lord. It is said that the sign of a life well lived can be measured by what a person leaves behind after they pass on. It is obvious that your Grandma lived life and lived it well. Have fun in the Alto section Mrs. Laughton.
Thanks for sharing that, Moo. I love those memories too. I just want to gather up everything about Grandma in my memory right now and try to pack it into the empty space that's left by her leaving.
Wow. That was touching. You're a great writer Mike. Miss ya.
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