My first love was not a boy, but my grandma. When I was born my grandmother lived with us. One of my earliest memories is when my family and I went somewhere and when we came home she was lying on the ground. She was giving the dog water, dropped the bowl, and fell. After that she no longer lived with us because she required more care. All I know is that the few years she lived with us I loved having her around.

     She passed away when I was nine. I really don’t remember what she looked like or her voice. My brother and sister said she had a strong Czech accent. I just always have a warm, happy feeling when I remember her. She was a constant in my early years. I remember going into her room and she would let me sit on her lap as she rocked. She would come check on me when I was playing and just sit with me. She made me doll clothes and a pillow that I took everywhere. 

     To this day I do not like peanut butter and jelly because she always made me peanut butter and honey. Everyone I have ever known that knew her said she was the best cook. I was told that my grandfather would not eat day old bread. She made a fresh loaf every day. Her bread recipe is still my kids and my favorite. I made it all the time when my kids were growing up and still enjoy making it to this day. Now my daughter makes it too. My favorite comfort food is shell noodles with butter and cinnamon. 

     I do not know if I will ever be a grandmother. I have two amazing kids in their twenties, but neither one is even interested in being a parent right now. I do have the most adorable granddog. If I ever get to be a grandmother I hope I will be loved like my grandmother. In the meantime, I will settle for granddog kisses. He also likes to come sit on my lap, go for walks, and play fetch.