My Gramma | Tribute to Marilyn Groff
Last week was a hard week. Last week we said our final goodbye to our Gramma, as God called her home to be with Him on Saturday July 17th.
I couldn’t possibly put into words the impact she had on my life, all the special memories we had together, or just how big of a hole will be in my heart going forward. But I will try.
I am Gramma’s youngest, and many of my cousins would probably say “most spoiled”, grandkid. My Gramma has been my biggest role model for my entire life. The impact she has had on my life, alongside of the lives of so many others speaks volumes. I’ve never met anybody with a bigger heart or a kinder soul. She was able to connect with anyone and make them feel like they were the most important person in the room. She has 13 grandchildren, all of who would probably argue they were her favorite. And that’s because she truly made each of us feel that way. She was able to build such a special and unique bond with all of us, a bond that I know we will all hold in us and cherish forever.
Gramma taught me many things throughout the years, but she taught them in a special way. Not by words, but through actions. She taught us the importance of faith. Not by quoting Bible verses, but by demonstrating God’s love in her heart with her everyday actions. She taught us the importance of family. Not by telling us we need to love one another, but by nurturing an environment that showed the importance of family. The people who, even though you may not choose them all, will be by your side through thick and thin. I can’t tell you how many people have asked me throughout the years “how many birthday parties can one family have?” or “sheesh, does your family get together every-time the wind changes direction?” And while it may seem crazy to some, that was normal to us. Backyard Easter egg hunts, sitting on Santa’s lap at Christmas, “spanking machines” and dress up birthday parties — all traditions we grew up with in an environment created by our Gramma. She taught us the importance of fun. Not by fancy vacations, but by the polka and the chicken dance at family weddings. Or clowning in the Marshall city parade. Or endless games of cribbage, oh hell, and rack-o. All different activities that held one thing in common — quality time spent with one another. She taught us that a simple life is a good life, not to take life too seriously, and that as long as we valued our faith and our family most — we would be able to get through anything.
Gramma, I will miss our weekly lunch dates. I will miss our friendly Rack-O competitions. I will miss the many laughs and countless memories you have provided me with throughout the years. But most of all, I will miss your presence and the example you set on how to live a meaningful life. It’s been said that legacy isn’t leaving something for people, but leaving something in people. This brings me comfort in my sorrow as I know your legacy will live on forever in the many lives you’ve touched throughout your years on earth — not only with your family, but also the friends and strangers you’ve crossed paths with along the way. We love you so much Gramma, and there’s a lot of things I’m bummed out you’re going to miss, but I know I have one hell of a guardian angel watching over me. I love you, I miss you, and I can’t wait to see you again. But in the meantime I hope you were greeted with a big hug from Rick, and are spending your time up there dancing the nights away with Grandpa Richie on the runways in the cow barns of heaven.
