Grandma's Cup

"I sat my cup of coffee down somewhere", she would grumble in an irritated tone. Inevitably, I would hear this uttered at least once a day from my Grandmother's lips. I secretly giggled inside as I knew an entertaining scavenger hunt was about to unfold. You'd be surprised where a half-consumed cup of coffee can hide. On one occassion, our search began in the area nearest to her current location...the kitchen. I scanned the counters, even peeking into the cabinets. I checked the window sill above the sink (a vantage point for eyeing the comings-and-goings at Betty's house). Then, we stepped onto the back porch to see if she'd set it on the washer, dryer or possibly the old water heater. Grandma would follow behind me wringing her hands and state that she just had it at "so-and-so". So, we'd go there. I would check the bathroom sink, the side of the pink porcelain tub and on the window sill above the toilet (another perfect lookout to see the happenings down at Joy's or Glenda's house).  She would follow me as I scanned each bedroom's dresser and nightstand in search of her favorite white cup with the blue-striped rim. In the living room, I eyeballed the top of the gas heater, a favorite spot to warm your backside AND a cup of coffee. I peered over to the electric cup warmer next to her recliner. No cup. We surveyed the dining table, the buffet and even the curio in the corner with all the newpaper clippings taped to the glass. Nothing. I had checked all the usual spots, but could NOT find that elusive cup of coffee. Shrugging my shoulders, I told her that I did not know where else to look. I reassured her that it would turn up somewhere and that we'd find it sooner or later. We walked back into the kitchen where I planned to make her another cup...no cream, no sugar. Straight black like she preferred. As I selected a new cup from the cabinet, I turned toward the inner corner of the counter where she kept a small jar of instant coffee. Low-and-behold, sitting patiently beside it was her almost empty white coffee cup with a faded blue stripe around the rim...just waiting to be topped off with fresh coffee crystals and steaming hot water. I let out a giggle while shaking my head, realizing I had checked that area myself and overlooked it. Grandma laughed and said, "Well Angi, I thought you were smarter than me! I'd have better luck looking by myself next time!"

My Grandma had a wonderful sense of humor and a big personality. I am so thankful that I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with her. She was an energetic woman, full of life and the Holy Spirit. She never met a stranger and would never pass up an opportunity to witness about Christ. She was exceedingly long-winded, but never a bore to the listener (which you most often were). To be a guest in her home, one could expect a genuine hug, a hot meal and a "sermon" or two. She could quote scripture on the spot...book, chapter and verse. She could remember birthdays, anniversaries and the full names of even the most distant of relatives in her huge extended family. She rarely "followed" recipes and never held her nose to a cookbook, yet produced some of the most delicious meals and desserts. She was always current on events happening around the world, in the family and even in town...all without ever leaving the comfort of her home.  I often marveled at how she was able to attain and remember all of these things. However, that innocent cup of coffee managed to trip her up everytime!



*My Grandma was a military spouse too! My Grandpa and Grandma were originally from Texas. They moved to Cache, Oklahoma shortly after my Grandpa was stationed at an Army base nearby.