Three People that I Love

My grandmother has died. She was my dad's mother and I got to know her really well. In fact, I can happily say I knew all four of my grandparents well. Only my mother's mother is still alive. My mom's dad died on Oct 18 - when my first-born was 3 months. My dad's mom died on Oct 19 - when my last-born was 4 months.

I am sad I won't be there for the funeral. But I am happy that I got to see her in March and that she spent some fun time with me and Elina and Anja.

Erna Greta Sofia 1931-2009.

Taken in her mid-to-late twenties. Mother of six, ran the home business (curtain store at first, then huge egg farm) along with her husband. Artistic, vain, hard-working and smart. She taught me how to mop floors properly and gave me girly blouses and dresses growing up. Was given a life that did not fit her, according to herself. Her antics have made us laugh over and over through the years. I will miss her.

Hans-Erik 1918-1999.

Taken in his seventies. This is how I remember him. He farmed organically in the sixties and seventies when everyone else laughed at him for having flowers in his field, but it did not bother him a bit. Danced to his own tune his entire life. I was always so proud to be his grand daughter. He taught me how to eat flax seeds and other healthy foods. Books can be written about his adventures.

Arnold Johan 1932-2002.

Somewhere I should have a better picture. He was in his forties here, but looked much the same until he died, in my mind. He named his fishing boat after me, bless him, and sailed as captain of a cargo ship up and down the coast of Norway until his retirement. He taught me much about World War 2 and about his childhood. A truly kind man, and a quiet one, that I miss very much.