Ode
to Grandma Willes
There
is an amazing woman named Barbara, you see
Who
continues to amaze everyone who knows her, like me.
As
a mother, grandma, and great grandma too,
She
spreads joy to everyone around her, it’s true.
Fond
memories of this lovely woman abound,
From
camping, hiking, and travelling the world around.
France,
Israel, and Hawaii are a few
Of
the places she has seen with eyes anew.
Hobbies
and interests in Barbara overflow,
And
walking 3 miles in the mall everyday she’ll go.
Poems
and stories are Grandma’s specialty,
In
which her charm, wit and humor are easy to see.
Elderquest
classes keep Grandma quite busy,
And
when no one can find her at home they’re in a tizzy.
From
organ to line dancing to pottery classes,
Grandma
continues to learn and achieve without even glasses!
For
years we’ve enjoyed yummy picnics in the backyard,
To
find roses, raspberries and homemade ice cream isn’t hard.
Inside
the house you’ll find porcelain dolls galore,
Steins,
salt and pepper shakers, figurines and more.
Challenge
Grandma to a game of Hand and Foot and you’re in trouble,
Unless
you’re her partner she’ll beat you by double.
You’ll
always see the kitchen counter with books lying there,
Since
Grandma is a bonafide reading extraordinaire!
She’s
an expert at finding good coupons and deals,
She
frequents The Sizzler and splits it into 3 meals!
She’s
always in the first hundred at Deseret Book,
And
if you can’t find her on Black Friday, take a second look.
Plays,
concerts, expos, movies and more
Keep
Grandma busier than ever before!
BYU
holds a special place in her heart,
And
at Education Week a mint brownie plays an important part.
At
Christmastime her cookie party is one not to miss,
With
Grandma’s truffles and candy it’s holiday bliss!
Santa
hats, photos and frosting galore,
It’s
a time with Grandma we all treasure and adore.
You’ll
find her so faithful at church every week,
Look
behind the library counter if it’s Grandma you seek.
Her
testimony of the Gospel keeps everyone strong,
If
you think she’s ever done reading the scriptures, you’re wrong.
This
Red Hatter aspires for more and more each day,
What’s
next on her bucket list, it’s hard to say.
Stained
glass and zip lining- check!
Next
to come may be sky diving, what the heck?
Always
humming a tune and standing up to eat,
Never
napping in the day is no easy feat.
Her
love for music has inspired us all,
So
much talent from a woman under 5 feet tall!
Healthy
as a horse, that daily spoon of cod oil did the trick,
Anything
that stands in Grandma’s way, she gives a kick.
She’s
sharp as a tack and inspiring to all,
But
Grandma please be careful and try not to fall!
With
87 amazing years under her belt,
Grandma’s
love for all can surely be felt.
Your
strength and wisdom and stamina too,
Are
all reasons, Grandma, that we love you!
I wrote this poem for my sweet Grandma Willes because she is a poet, and read some of her poems to us at the grandchildren Christmas cookie decorating party. I then had the thought, Someone needs to write a poem for her! She makes us all smile with her poetry and stories, so I wanted to return the favor to her.
I'm so glad that we live close by, and that I've grown close to my Grandma since my years at BYU. Now that I have my own children, it's fun to see them enjoy being with their Great Grandma. She's the only Great they have left, so she is pretty special! I love this picture of Grandma and Cami, after we went to the Women's Expo together.
And here is Grandma reading her poems to us at the Christmas party at her house. Like I said in the poem, I love her wit and humor, and her tenacity! This lady never stops going and learning and moving and doing! There is so much to learn from her example. I love you, Grandma.
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