Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Namesake

My grandmother passed away this morning. Grandma Miller was my mom's mom, and the person for whom I'm named. Most people called her Margaret, but a few called her Maggie, and every time they did, it surprised me. My grandma had a fierce wit, sass to spare, and a general lack of concern for the opinions of others. As you might imagine, those were my very favorite things about her. She liked jokes and fun, loved jewelry, and had pristine hair and nails no matter the occasion. The phrase steel magnolia comes to mind.

I tried to find some great photos of my Grandma Miller, but the best ones are at home in NC. I'll be with them soon enough. I do have photos here that represent her perfectly, but she's actually not in them at all. Instead, the photos are of me.

When I was little, my grandma loved making me dresses, complete with detailed smocking, delicate embroidery, ruffles, and ribbons. Most of the dresses were red; my grandma knew even then it was my color. She entered some of the dresses in State Fair competitions, and won. Inevitably, she'd have portraits made of me wearing the dresses, and would mat them using the dress fabric. I'm the grinning kid in these photos, but she might as well be sitting beside me, smiling proudly and showing off a manicure that matched my dress.   


I'll be leaving soon to spend the week with family: telling stories, laughing, and eating some great food. All things that my grandma did well. I have fun stories I'd like to share here soon of my grandma in her prime - they feature laughing at men and boldly going where no local woman had gone before, so stay tuned. First things first.

Thank you for your name, Grandma, and for so much more. I'm a proud Maggie today.

29 comments:

  1. My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope you enjoy your time together and are able to share some peace.

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I'll be thinking of you and your family, Maggie.

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  3. I'm so sorry you and your family has lost her. I understand the bond that comes from being named for someone. I was named for my great-grandmother and have always felt a connection with her.

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  4. I am thinking of you. The dresses, the pics and the matting are simply gorgeous. Safe travels.

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  5. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother! Hugs!

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  6. i'm so sorry for your loss. she sounds like quite a remarkable woman. thanks for sharing a bit of her with us.

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  7. My heart goes out to you, Maggie. Savor your family time and I look forward to hearing you honor her here in your always-eloquent fashion.

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss Maggie - sending lots of hugs your way!

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  9. Oh, Maggie. Hugs to you. I am named after my grandmother, and I miss her every day. Carry yours in your smile and she will never go away.

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  10. So sorry to hear about your grandmother - you guys have had a rough patch lately. Glad you will be with your family soon. Take care.

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  11. So sorry for your loss, M. Sending you and your family all my love.

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  12. I'm so sorry Maggie. It's so special to have a namesake who you admire so much. I'm thinking of you and your family, and looking forward to some excellent stories.

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  13. sending warm thoughts your way, maggie. i'm named after my grandmother too, and the legacy these strong, wonderful women leave us with is great. we've got big shoes to fill! enjoy this precious time with family and friends and cherish the name you've been given. what a gift!

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  14. so sorry to hear this news, maggie. keeping you and your fam in my thoughts. safe travels home.

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  15. Oh honey. You sound as strong and sassy as she must have been. I'm sure she was so proud to share her name with YOU!

    Much love to you. I hope your celebrations of her life with your family fill all the dark spots in your heart with laughter and love (not to mention great soul food!).

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  16. So sorry for your loss. My prayers are certainly with you!

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  17. What a nice post. Your family is in my prayers.

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  18. I'm so sorry. Strangely, my grandmother also passed away on Feb. 8th, but 9 years ago. I still really miss her and try to honor her memory in every way I can. I hope you find comfort in remembering all the times you shared with her.

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  19. Oh Maggie, I'm so sorry. Thinking of you and your family at this time.. How nice it is that you have such special memories of her.

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  20. Sorry for your loss, Maggie. Looking forward to hearing more of your tributes to this wonderful lady.

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  21. Oh, Maggie. So, so sorry.

    Wait, your grandmother sewed dresses for you and then used the material to mat the frames?! I dream of being that hardcore. Dream.

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  22. Maggie, I am so sorry for your loss. But you are such a wonderful tribute to your namesake. I had a Grandma Miller too (literally) :-)

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  23. So sorry to hear about your Grandma. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

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  24. Maggie,

    You guys have had a tough few months. I'm so sorry that you lost someone so amazing. I'm so glad you have all of these wonderful memories and stories about a woman who sounds pretty bold and fabulous! I'm excited to hear more when you're ready to tell us.

    Thinking of you,
    Meredith

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  25. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother, sending you hugs. She sounds like an amazing woman.

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  26. Maggie, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. My thoughts are with you. Sending you a big-huge hug.

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  27. aww, this made me teary eyed. My grandmother passed away the first week in a February too. This time of year is always a little nostalgic for me. I hope you got the time you needed with the rest of your family. I think it's the most important part of the healing process.

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  28. This is super late, but I had taken a hiatus from blogging and missed the news that you lost your grandmother. So sorry for your loss and hope you're doing well.

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