Betty Louise Beasley

Dear Grandma, I don’t know exactly where to begin, because you’ve given me so many memories to hold onto. When I think of you, I remember your smile and the way you always made me feel loved and welcome. You made me feel at home. Some of my favorite memories are of childhood at your house — the smell of cookies baking in the kitchen, the way we’d gather around the table to play games, and the laughter that always filled the room. We played so many — cards, Trouble, poker, monopoly, chess — and of course our long Canasta and Gin Rummy games. Those moments were more than just games; they were time spent together, where you and Granddad taught Kevin and I patience, joy, and the happiness of simply being with family. Kevin and I spent so much of our childhood with you both. You took care of us, looked after us, and even worked at the daycare center we both went to. You were more than a grandma — you were a mother figure to me, and Granddad was a father figure who loved us unconditionally and deeply. I’ll always be grateful for the love and care you both gave us. I’ll never forget the summers with you and Granddad — the smell of honeysuckle in the air, afternoons by the pool, and the sound and smell of rain. Going back home with you felt like an adventure, with Granddad making us cheeseburgers and us watching old movies together. Grandad always changing song lyrics and calling Snickers bars, giggles. You both made those days feel magical. And Grandma, your coconut cakes will always be the absolute best I’ve ever had. I also remember when I was a teenager, and you’d let me drink wine while we watched old mystery movies together. Those evenings felt so grown-up and special, and I loved our quiet time just the two of us, laughing and solving the mysteries on screen. I’m grateful we spent so much time together for so many years. I remember the reunion trips with you, Granddad, and Kevin. The trip with you and Kevin up to Virginia Beach on the Amtrak train to visit your friend Shorty. That memory holds a special place in my heart, since Kevin has passed as well. I also think of the long two-week trip we took with baby Alicia — going to the reunion, Joe’s Army boot camp graduation, and then to North Carolina so I could visit my maternal grandma one more time before she passed. Bringing Alicia and Kyle over to your house to celebrate your birthdays and going out to eat with you, Ed and dad. I’m sure there are countless things I’ve forgotten, but these moments stand out, and I'll carry them with me always. As I got older, I know our relationship changed. It wasn’t always simple, and at times it felt complicated — mostly because of Dad and also your choice to move to Missouri. That hurt me deeply, and I resented it for a long time. Now, I regret carrying that resentment, even though it was how I honestly felt at the time. I wish I had told you more often that, despite my hurt, I loved you and always wanted to feel close to you. I also think of Dad too, and I know how much you loved both your sons. Even though our relationship was complicated, I know he was important in your life, and I want to honor that. You and Granddad taught me so much without even trying — about love, kindness, laughter, and the beauty of simple moments together. I’ll always treasure the lessons, the laughter, and the love you gave me. It’s so hard to say goodbye. My heart aches knowing I won’t sit across from you at the table or hear your voice, but I know you’ll always be with me. Every time I play cards, smell cookies, honeysuckle, summer rain, or taste coconut cake, I’ll think of you and Granddad both — and of Kevin — and feel your love close by. Thank you for being my Grandma and Grandad for being my grandfather, for being a second mother and father, for all the games, the hugs, the summers, and the memories that shaped who I am. I love you, Grandma. I love you, Granddad. I love you, Kevin. I love you, Dad. Thank you for every hug, every laugh, every lesson, and every moment. I miss you all deeply, but I carry you all with me, always, in my heart. Love Always, Karen