I remember walking
into the home in Lynch, filled with laughter and the sweet smell of burning logs.
I remember making soup with Grandma and Maryann. Chili,
chicken noodle, and oyster (yuck).
I remember when Gene would get out his tap measure and Kenny
would call us Gretchen. All we had to do was run to grandma and that was done.
For that time at least.
I remember being out of bread. We’d run to Randy’s Market.
You were lucky if you got to come.
Unlock the door, grab what you need, a sucker or candybar, and back home
to finish lunch before the men came back from checking cattle.
I remember Lemon Meringue Pie. Dad always tried to claim the
whole thing. He doesn’t even let my mom make it cause ‘Grandma’s is the best”
I remember Christmas. There was nothing better than
Christmas Eve at Grandma’s. EVERYONE was TOGETHER. Aunts, Uncles, Grandkids,
Great-Great Kids, Cousins, Everyone. Together as one family.
I remember getting pink slippers for one of those Christmases.
Grandma yelled at me, if you wear those outside, I’m going to take them back.
I remember when Steve got Spot. That pup was not coming in
Grandma’s house. And she meant it.
I remember the anniversary. Living on Love, buying on time
& If You’re Happy and You Know it (clap clap)
I remember Grandma throwing a newspaper at grandpa when he
couldn’t hear her cause he turned his hearing aid off. On purpose.
I remember Grandma starting to forget stuff.
I remember hearing about how Grandma had driven to David
City in the night. 3 AM and she had been pulled over in that little grey car.
I remember when Grandma and Grandpa moved to O’Neill.
Grandpa was sick and Grandma couldn’t remember much anymore. At least I got to
see them more.
I remember Grandpa’s funeral. As Grandma was presented the
United States Flag, she questioned, “Where’s Gene?”
I remember visiting Grandma at Diane’s house. Holding those
hands that had caressed me when I was younger.
When she looked up at me and gave me the slightest smile, I knew she at
least was familiar with me.
I remember just 3 weeks ago, I was on the way to watch an
indoor track meet when my mom called me saying Grandma had started to get
worse. I couldn’t not go. We got to
North Platte late the next Friday.
I remember how hard it was. Sunken eyes, exhausted face. I
once again held her hands. Read her a farm book. Teri said the cow and horse
page was her favorite. I wasn’t surprised, she was a rancher’s wife. Every now
and again, she would wince in pain. I wasn’t prepared to see someone so strong
in so much pain. I don’t know how anyone could be prepared for that. It was
hard. It was really hard.
I remember Grandma sleeping most of that weekend. I was just
thankful to be there. I loved when her strong hands held my ever so weak ones
so tight.
I remember the humbling feeling of feeding Grandma the
morning I left. That was the most she was awake the whole time I was
there. Grandma was allowing me to care
for her physically. She had cared for me not only physically, but also mentally
for so many years. That’s just who Grandma was. She was that way for everyone.
I don’t think I ever heard Grandma speak badly about anyone. What was best
about Grandma though, she was on her time. She wasn’t going to take anyone’s
raft. She was a God-loving, family
oriented, tender, caring, wife, mother, and grandma.
I am so thankful to have had this amazing woman in my life.
I keep this picture in my bible as a reminder of what a God-centered
relationship looks like. A few weeks ago, some friends and I were on urban
dictionary. I looked up Lechtenberg and this is what came up.
Of German discent meaning fun-loving, elite, charitable, and
talented in all aspects of life. Simply flawless. Large family with big hearts.
Is it possible for me to buy tickets to a Lechtenberg
family function?
If a nuclear bomb exploded, the only thing that would be left
would be rats, cockroaches, and Lechtenbergs.
I am proud to be a Lechtenberg. The legacy Grandma and
Grandpa left is a beautiful one that I only hope I will someday be able to live
up to. I will miss you, Grandma.
