Tribute to my Grandmother Anna Kospiah

Last month, my grandmother, Anna Kospiah, passed away at the young age of 93. She was my dad's mother and my oldest living relative. She was an independent, quiet woman who raised 5 children.

My grandmother grew up on a farm. She met my grandfather and got married very young. She worked in the steel mill during the depression. She even drove a forklift, something we did not know until talking with her during the last weeks of her life. She loved flowers and watching the birds in the garden.

My grandmother loved her independence. She lived on her own in a senior citizen high rise until she was almost 92. Then she moved in with my Aunt where she lived for the last year of her life. She took the city bus to the supermarket and shopping centers. She liked to walk even though arthritis was making this more difficult.

One of my grandmother's favorite past times was going to the casinos in Atlantic City or Las Vegas. She loved to travel with my mom and they went on so many trips together with senior citizen groups or just the two of them. They got along well and were good travel partners. My grandmother was not happy with the digitizing of the casino slot machines. She yearned for the return of the day when she could put quarters into the machine and pull the handle. She looked forward to these trips and they gave her great joy.

My grandmother was a frequent guest at our many family events. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren welcomed her with open arms. She could often be found in the kitchen washing dishes and cleaning up.

While preparing for her funeral, my sisters, mom, dad and I looked through hundreds of pictures to find the special ones for the funeral home. Looking through these pictures and reminiscing about the times we spent together brought laughter and tears. It was very therapeutic for all of us to celebrate her life and grieve together.

After her funeral, we all went to a casino in the Poconos to celebrate her life and one of the activities that she loved most. It was raining on our drive to the casino. However, once we got there, a big rainbow was in the sky and it ended at the casino. I think this was her way of telling us she was okay and still with us. It brought tears to our eyes. We put our money in the slot machines and placed our bets in honor of her.

I am thankful that I was able to have my grandmother in my life for as long as I did. I hope that I have her genes for a long life. She was a special lady and will always be close to my heart.