Oma

I am very fortunate to be close to my Oma (grandma) both geographically and relationally and have been for most of my life.

She is a gentle, loving lady. 

Oma is adventurous.  

One year she went to Disneyland with my aunt and her family and even went down Splash Mountain!  I have a great picture of her standing on a swing at age 75 or so.

She has a deep, inner strength:  From the challenging war years while she lived in Russia and Germany.  Losing many loved ones during that time.  Raising a child on her own.  Then rebuilding a life afterwards in Canada.  My Opa passed away when I was 14.

She demonstrates a fantastic work ethic, in fact she out-weeded me one summer when helping prepare my garden plot!

Her favourite game is dominoes.

She bakes and cook for us, although as she is growing older the frequency of it is less.  Homemade noodles, perogies and peppermint cookies are long time favourites.

  Despite her calm persona it is easy to see where some of the stubbornness and strong opinions present in our family come from!  

For example: when she first saw our new house in its finished state the first thing she commented on were the black appliances.

"Black?!!! Acch Carla!" (insert German accent)  Obviously she does not like black.

Unfortunately with English being her second language and Oma being very hard of hearing the type of relationship where I could tell her everything and anything was hindered.  But she is always aware of what's going on in our lives and makes sure that we know she cares.

Oma also has a special bond with Sierra and Sawyer.  She babysat Sierra for me one or two afternoons a week while I worked when pregnant with Sawyer.  Oma would often complain that Sierra napped too long and didn't have enough time to play on those afternoons!  Sierra will ask every other week or so to go and visit Oma.

Although we clearly see her the most Oma has no less love for family at a distance, that much is also very evident.

Man, I could go on and on!

Oma had her 89th birthday in mid-April.

Sierra and I baked cupcakes and iced them with purple icing.  Sierra chose a pretty potted plant to give her too.  

Then along with Trevor and Sawyer we brought them over one evening and celebrated.

 

 We are blessed to have her in our lives and love her very much!