I did not misspell a word in the title to this blog. The word above is “Schein” which sounds like “shine” and is the last name from my grandfather’s side of the family.
During the month of March, I think about my grandmother, Catherine Elizabeth Schein (Bradley was her maiden name). Her grandparents were both direct descendants from Ireland. She embodied the Irish spirit and quoted the Irish blessings often. She was always excited about making corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick’s Day and wore her best green outfit. And, when Easter falls during this month, I think of the fun Easter egg hunts we’d have with a special golden egg to find, and the amazing spread she would provide for our big family brunches. She knew how to host a party and make everyone feel welcome.
I admired her for so many reasons. She was smart, funny, strong, loving, and always so classy. She had seven children over the expanse of nine years. My grandfather was in the Navy and she was often home raising their kids on her own with only some help from family.
The love she felt for her family poured out of every look and move she made. She was the glue that kept our family together and brought everyone into town for visits and holidays. Her green eyes with the gold around the pupil would twinkle as she listened to us tell stories about our weeks, as we decided what card to put down in a game of pinochle, or as she would describe one of the many adventures she experienced throughout her life. Every hug she gave felt so full of emotion and would relieve us when we were upset or express the joy she felt for each and every person in her life. I remember at one of my birthday parties with my friends, each of us lined up when she arrived to give (and receive) a comforting hug. She made each person feel special even if she was just meeting him or her for the first time. She helped tutor a child when I was in middle school and I remember how much this little girl loved her and even invited my Grandmom to her birthday party. Cashiers at stores would instantly strike up a conversation with her. She had such a sweet vibrant personality.
She was an optimist and I think she liked to make the most of the opportunities that came by. One of her mottos was, “Eat Dessert First, Life is Short.” Although she didn’t always follow this rule, it definitely is a demonstration of her making sure to experience and appreciate the good in life because life flies by too fast to dwell on the negative. She experienced a lot of tough times and grew up during the Great Depression. She would tell us how they would just eat cheese and crackers for months. But even in the rough moments, she saw the positive and would talk about the fun she, her two sisters, and her brother would have when they were younger. I’ve been told a lot recently about how I see life just full of rainbows and unicorns because I have such a sunny viewpoint on life. And while this isn’t always true, most of the time it is and I think it’s because of her. She showed me how to care and appreciate every blessing we are given be it in the form of a friend or family member, event or special occasion, or a small bite of something sweet.
She also showed me the importance of taking care of yourself. She was an impeccable dresser. Each piece of clothing was color coordinated along with her purse, shoes, and many times with a hat as well. She had my mom, who is a licensed cosmetologist, cut and perm her hair often. She took care of her mind and was always learning more about the world. Up until the last couple years before her passing, she would do the daily newspaper crossword puzzle and crypto-quip. She even took a German class at Old Dominion University when she was in her early 70s.
She and my grandfather did a good amount of traveling and made sure to take some relaxing vacations to explore many areas of the world together. Also, for a long time, she would use her exercise bike or go on walks with us. She lived her life to help others but also to benefit her well-being. She made sure that even with a life so full of her loved ones, that she did take the time to love herself as well.
This post could be much longer because her life was such beautiful one and she had so many amazing antidotes to tell us. When I look at a cup of tea, a paintbrush, a york peppermint patty, or a delicate flower, I see her in it. Every so often my mom, sisters, cousins, or aunts will say something and I will immediately think of her. Before she passed away, she had difficulty with words, but one thing she definitely knew how to say was “I love you.” She was such a light in every person’s life that she knew and she still “scheins” on through those she has touched.
I love you Grandmom. ❤
every so often... 
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