Grammy's Eulogy

To quote Joseph Myslo, known as Pawpaw, “Mother and I got along just like this [fingers crossed]. We hardly ever fought. Anything she wanted, I would get it for her.” Even though Pawpaw would be the one to say this, everyone here can relate to those words in some shape or form. Pawpaw would walk on water for his Annie Karg, and she would do the exact same for the people she loved. Grammy, the name given to Anna K. Myslo as soon as I could speak, always entered a room with a smile ready to distribute hugs to the nearest person. Wrapping my arms around her, always mindful of the hot cup of coffee, would be one of the best ways to start any day.

Grammy liked down-to-earth people. Anyone who knew her felt instantly at ease around her for she made you feel comfortable and accepted you as you. There was no need to pretend to be someone else in her presence. She welcomed you into her home and life without a second thought. Not only was she kind, but her sense of humor was rumored to be quite sassy. In high school, she would wear bright red lipstick. All the boys would say, “Sure would like a taste of that lipstick.” Her response would be, “Here’s the stick boys.” Red lipstick was a trademark of Grammy along with an eyebrow pencil. The first thing she did in the morning, even before coffee, was to put on her face which consisted of drawing in her eyebrows, applying the red rouge to her lips, and putting her hair into a “French Twist.”

Throughout her adulthood, and I’m sure in her teenage years, Grammy was the heart and soul of a party. She could create fun. Her smile and laugh would draw a crowd. My mother and aunt remember huge New Year’s Eve parties at their house. Not only did the entire neighborhood attend, but it was the most anticipated event of the season. My aunt and mother sat at the top of the stairs admiring everyone below listening to their mother with all of her friends. Grammy’s voice could be heard in every corner of any room, typically in song. If there was a song to be sung in the house or car, Grammy would sing it. My brother, sister and I loved to listen to her voice. All we had to do was say something silly, and Grammy would burst into a melody befitting the comment. The song we all remember the best is about a conversation between a father and his daughter on her wedding day about the bride’s mother.

With a lot of effort and hard work, Grammy felt like she had achieved more than she ever dreamed was possible. To her, she had won the gold medal, climbed higher than Mount Everest. Grammy’s family meant the world to her. She revealed in the lifestyle of her husband, children and grand-children. Pawpaw is the love of her life. Married in 1944, they had 65 wonderful years of marriage. With him at her side, she ventured out to discover everything. They drove all over the 48 continental states with their two daughters exploring the wonders of America.
However, she had even bigger dreams for my Aunt Deb and my mother Kathy. Education was everything to Grammy. College was a must for her children. With their knowledge in tow, Grammy encouraged them to explore the world, which they did. She admired the courage of my aunt to take the entire globe by storm. Auntie Deb’s homecomings meant stories in the wee hours of the morning. Grammy got up at an hour only known to swimmers and rowers to sip her coffee and watch the sunrise. Thus, when Auntie Deb would come back to the USA, Grammy cherished these precious hours with her eldest daughter. In Grammy’s later years, Auntie Deb brought such comfort, ease, and love to her life.

Grammy relished in the accomplishments of my mother, father, and her three grand-children. My mom remembers Grammy saying to Pawpaw, “Joe, could you ever imagine that one of our daughters would live in a house like this?” This was not said to put on airs but out of pride and joy for the life my mother built for her family. At the end of any visit, I would watch Grammy give my mom hug. In Grammy’s face, I could see just how proud she was of how my mother raised her children and of the unconditional love between my mom and dad which mirrored that of Grammy and Pawpaw.

My brother, sister and I remember such a wonderful and cheerful grandmother. She watched us swim on Saturday mornings and fashion shows after shopping, walked with us to the park, read us our horoscopes, and made Sloppy Joes. Oh my goodness were those good! When visiting our house, Grammy would escape to the back porch to sun herself. Take one look at my sister, and you know where she got her tanning abilities from which unfortunately did not transfer to me.

Grammy is an inspiration to us all. She lived each day with a smile on her face. Her perseverance through life’s challenges should teach all of us that there is nothing too difficult to overcome. The beauty and grace with which she led her life serves as an example to us all.

Finally, Grammy would want to remind all of you to take care of your teeth, never throw anything away, and to eat your carrots and tomatoes.

The Beach's Sweet Sixteen

2009. Sweet Sixteen for the Metson/Rawcalf Beach Tradition.

During the first week of August, we went on our annual beach vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As one can see, we've been going there for sixteen years because we love it. This year was no exception. By Wednesday, we had everythere who was supposed to be there meaning all 14 of us.

As the crew has gotten older, our beach activities have changed a bit. We used to play all kinds of games, build sandcastles, bury people in the sand, and sea shell hunt. Now, we tend to read, read, read, take walks, read, read, read, play Boce ball, read, read, read, and nap. The only thing that has actually remained the same is that we always go in the water. When we were younger, it did not matter what the temperature of the water was as we would play in it no matter what. Now, we are a bit more sensitive, but the goal is to always make it in at least once per beach session (there are two per day).

Another thing that has remained the same is FOOD; although, I think that we eat a bit more than we used too. Meals have always been a favorite. Ever single meal is eaten as though there may not be another one. Breakfast is the only meal that is rather haphazardly assembled. Lunch typically consists of decedant sandwiches, chips, and desert. Then there's dinner. Seriously, dinner at the beach is just wonderful. The week's meals have not changed since we started going there 16 years ago. We have Honey Baked Ham, burgers, steak, sea food, BBQ, Pizza, and leftovers. The order is allowed to change, but not the main dishes of the meals. And naturally, there's desert. We get pie, ice cream, fudge, fruit pizza, leftover birthday cake, and anything else people decide to bring.

To some, our beach week may seem a bit boring. Yet, each year brings more fun, adventures, stories, and people. Hopefully, we will all still be going there 16 years from now. And who knows, we could own a house by then...