In memory of my Oma

Hello,

Today my grandmother in Austria passed away. Needless to say, I am very heartbroken and sad about it. People keep telling me that she is in a better place. Yeah, I know. Thanks for trying, but that does not help me feel better. I try to carry on with my day, but sometimes I just break down and cry for a few minutes.

She was already in a good place here on earth. She was happy, loved to help people and volunteer her time, and she was proud of being Austrian. She didn't want to be part of the EU. She loved her country. She was also healthy. She loved her family, and I love her very much.

We don't know why she died. I guess she was doing some work in the house and just fell over. By the time the ambulance came she was gone. It all happened so fast. I thought that she would live for at least another 10 years. I miss her already.

She was happy and she loved life and I want to live my life like that. I wish I could have talked to her more. I wish I coulda seen her more. But I don't have any big regrets with her. She came to visit us here in the states and I went over to visit her in Austria as many times as I could. She made sure I learned German and learned about Austrian culture.

I think that I have a lot of my Oma in me. I have her deep set eyes and her mischevious grin. I also have her temper. I speak German like her (after all, she taught me). I am kind, and I am happy in general. Yeah, I can be cynical and complain. However, I am the type of person that sees the good in people, I stay away from most people that aren't good for me and I have the desire to help people and see each person as a human being. Just like my grandma.

To all of you out there that still have a grandma, treasure her. Grandmas are treasures that should never be taken for granted. Grandmas are a girl's best friend. They are wise and on your side, and know how to spoil you. I am so happy that I was a part of her life and that I took full advantage of the opportunities to spend time with her. I would very much like to attend her funeral in Austria and say good bye to her.

I still have one grandma left here in California. I love her very much. I can't wait to see her for the holidays.