Goodbye Grandma Tootie

Amanda Pauline Blume Stein, 1922-2010
(Four generations of "Amanda's," as we all share the same name:)

It’s so difficult to say goodbye to Grandma Tootie, but I’m so thankful for her and the example of her full, amazing life of 88 years. I am so proud to be her granddaughter and will really miss her, but I am thankful that she has her singing voice back and is singing and dancing with Jesus, Papa Tom and all her friends and family that have gone ahead of her.

As a child, I remember… jumping on the trampoline in their backyard in Denver, playing in the big room downstairs, looking at all the family photos on the wall, playing in the snow, in the mountains, boat rides on the lake, family reunions where all the grandchildren would play and she would sit back and watch us with joy. I remember yummy, home cooked meals, her amazing hospitality with nicely set, formal place settings and fresh flowers, lots of joy and laughter at the table, she was always such a hostess and entertained all 18 of us with such ease. I remember the stories she would tell of growing up during the depression and how her mom always welcomed people into her home from off of the streets, and I remember her always doing the same.

As I got older, I remember… lots of deep, genuinely caring and meaningful conversations on the porch with Zac, my husband, Papa Tom and Grandma Tootie. We spent some weekends together in Denver and Cayucos, California, sitting on the porch, observing the natural beauty of the mountains and the ocean and reflecting on our lives. Stories of the depression, war, times of loss and sadness, as well as times of hope and the importance of persevering, of family and living life to the fullest. They always genuinely asked questions and cared about us and always encouraged us to live life to our fullest potential.

I have learned so much from Grandma Tootie’s life that will always be a part of me. I have learned the value of family, the importance of persevering even in difficult times and the blessing of hospitality. As my mother’s mother, your life has touched mine. May I be able to pass on to the next generation the gift of your life. I’m so thankful that my husband and two children have called you “Grandma.” I love you and you will always be in our hearts.