My grandma passed away on Tuesday, my birthday. It felt right since she was there when I was born. I’ve written about her many times on here. She was such a hoot.
I wrote her obituary, which you can read here. If you’re in Ft. Pierce, it will be printed again in Sunday’s paper.
She taught me my first word, bird, while we watched birds at her feeder. She gave me my first taste of mango. She taught me to swim. She said recipes are only suggestions; close the book and cook. There were never any rules. She hugged necks and told great stories. She spent a lifetime in the Florida sun, and in her words recently, she loved every minute of it! I can’t do anything without thinking about her, and I’m so grateful. 
Grandma with Tiffany and Mary Ann, checking out a puffer fish, West End, Bahamas. Thanks for this one, Julie.
And also thanks to Julie for this gem: Grandma dressed as a flapper with Stinker in her lap. 
That’s my best photobomb.
Road trip to Pine Island. Sitting on our boat, Beautiful Dreamer.
Bok Tower. 
Selby Gardens.
❤️
How sweet! I thought I had finished crying!
I might have a couple left but with laughs in between.
Wonderful memories of a special person in your life.
Thank you, Herman!
So sorry Danielle. Your Grandma was beautiful and a real hot ticket. I’m glad I knew her.
Thanks, Jane. She was a hot ticket!
Your grandmother was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories with us. Love and hugs to you and your whole family.
Thank you, Valora!
Oh, what a beautiful tribute to her. Thank you so much for sharing special memories of her. She will forever be in our hearts. 😭💕
Thanks, Aunt Mary Ann. I’m so glad we all got to be together over the weekend. Looking forward to your next trip over. Love to you and Fred.
What a beautiful tribute! Sending love and hugs your way!
Thank you so much, Charlie!
I needed a good cry today… I also had a special Bigmama…growing up in Alabama in the fifties mine taught me how to cook and fish ,two things I assume all proper young ladies needed to learn… You were truly blessed as I …She will dwell in your heart forever!!!
Aw, thank you, Pat. My grandma would absolutely agree that a young lady should know how to cook and fish. And she showed us you can live a long time on a diet of fried fish and grits!
I’m so sorry that your wonderful grandmother is no longer with you Danielle. She has left you all with beautiful memories, lots of stories and solid wisdom. It sounds like she was definitely a happy and luminous person who inspired you.
Thanks, Ali! She was always happy. I think that was her secret to longevity.
My sincere condolences, Danielle.
Such beautiful photos and memories to cherish forever! She clearly loved to share her joy of FL living and you’re surely carrying that with you. Sending you love ❤
I see the resemblance, so yeah, she was a special person. How lucky for you to have been nurtured by her for the decades of your life. I know you miss her terribly already. But you carry on for her and she wants it that way.
Thank you, Jennifer.
Thank you, Mary! That is so kind. Hope you and Joe and the girls are all doing well.
Sorry to hear about your grandmother. We share a Birthday May 24th. Take Care, Penny Bruce
Thank you, Penny. I just found photos of her visit to Pine Island, back when we had our sailboat behind the house. I’m going to add them. How funny we share the same birthday? I always say it’s the best birthday of the year. Hope you all are enjoying St. James City!
She would have loved your beautiful tribute to her, and I know Aunt Polly will live on in all of us with her joy in life’s simple things and the people we love
Thank you, Lynn! She adored you. We sure had fun with her, didn’t we?
That is so beautifully written, Danielle. Polly Ann was such fun and a joy to be around. I love all these vintage photos of her. She was a beauty, inside and out.
She thought the world of you, Julie! She delighted in your art. We all love the photos you sent. I crack up every time I look at her in that costume.
Thanks for the memories, we shared our entire life! LOVE to you all from Aunt Mary Ann!
Good to hear from you, Aunt Mary Ann! I found a couple of your yearbook photos. I’m putting them up now. Love to you!
So so sorry for your loss, and happy belated birthday! She sounds like she was a real gem – and what a great name! I’m glad you get to have such fond memories of her. Keep them close, always. Sending love 3
Thanks so much, Coley! I love her name, too. It fit her perfectly.
What a special tribute Danielle! I absolutely love your perspective. I can see that twinkle in her eye right now. She has a special place in my heart, as well.
She loved spending time with you, Dale. Thank you for always being so good to her.