Destination Driftless: Family Stories and Swedish Pancakes, My Grandma's Memorial

We gathered together to say a last good-bye to my Grandma. She died in December at the age of 99. I forget that Swedes have a culture until I return to Rockford. The last of my Grandma's family and old neighbors came to Scandinavian Cemetary. We drive past Andersons and Nelsons and Swensons and hey, even a Forsell that isn't related to us. My Dad's idea was that there would be a memorial service and then people could share stories. Well, Swedes aren't real into public tokens of affection or sharing but my Dad told some funny stories about my Grandma. One time she was being admitted to the hospital and the intake nurse was asking her:
"Beulah, do you have any nicotine in your system?
"No," she said.
"Do you have any alcohol in your system?"
"No," she said,
"Do you have any drugs in your system?"
"No, I'm clean", my Grandma retorted.

My mom talked about how my Grandma took the place of her own mother (who died at 50) and remained her "mother" even after my parents divorced. Sometimes blood isn't thicker than water.

My Grandma had 8 brothers and sisters. One sister is still alive. She is 103 years old.

Great Aunt Cleona

I really love this picture of her for two reasons. She has a great sense of humor, kind of sly and that's what I see here. Also, she looks like my Grandma. I didn't see it until now. My Grandma was sly as well, also sharp-tongued. Cleona is not. She is softer, the wise older sister.

So we had a 103-year old and a 1-year old, my niece Tula, at this memorial. There can't be anything more hopeful than seeing new life and old, wizened life next to one another.

During the slideshow, people were asking questions and filling in details for some of the pictures. A last stroll down memory lane for my grandparents. I'm pretty sure they were watching and waiting for these Swedish pancakes with us. What would a Forsell gathering be without the Stockholm Inn?