Today marks the anniversary of my beloved grandmother, Anna Ruth Helminger, affectionately known as Meme, ascending to heaven. Though she left this earthly realm, her memory remains vivid and cherished in my heart. She was not just my grandmother; she was my best friend, my confidante, and a constant source of love and support.
Before cell phones became the norm, Meme always found a way to ensure we stayed connected. Every week, she would send me a check so I could afford to make long-distance calls, bridging the miles that separated us. And whenever I visited her, she would send me gas money, making sure I had no excuse not to come and see her. Her thoughtfulness knew no bounds.
Meme spent her entire life in Mansura, Louisiana, where she was born, raised, married, and lived. She had the most beautiful white hair, which was as radiant as her kind and gentle spirit. Every weekend when I was a child, our visits to her home were a highlight of my life. In her sewing room, there would always be 3 to 5 dresses hanging up, each one a testament to her incredible skill as a seamstress. These dresses were not just garments; they were symbols of her love and dedication to me.
She taught me so much about life, from the art of cooking to the value of simple pleasures. While she prepared meals in her Magnalite pots, I would have my own little setup at a card table next to her, with Tupperware bowls filled with dried rice and beans. In my eyes, we were cooking the same dishes, and those moments in the kitchen were some of the most precious times we shared.
Her home was always filled with the aroma of something delicious simmering on the stove. Meme made sure that every meal was served at the table—breakfast, lunch, and supper were times for family and connection. The only exception was Fridays, when we would get dressed up to dine at the Catfish House in Mansura, a cherished local tradition.
Her kitchen, painted in cheerful shades of yellow and cream, was where she created magic. On Sundays, we would attend St. Paul’s Catholic Church, followed by a visit to the cemetery to honor my grandpa. Her life was a beautiful rhythm of routine and contentment. She hung her clothes on the clothesline, ensuring they dried under the sun’s gentle warmth. Sweet tea was always in the fridge, a staple of her hospitality. She bought meats from the market on specific days, ensuring they were always fresh, and her seasoning was chopped directly into the pot with her hands, no cutting board needed.
Every morning, you could find her sitting at the kitchen table, sipping coffee and catching up with her old friends. The ladies would gather weekly for coffee and gossip, a testament to her vibrant social life.
Meme was the kindest, sweetest person I have ever known. I miss her every day. Her Mink hair spray still lingers in my memory, a fragrant reminder of the love and warmth she brought into my life. Even though she’s no longer here, her spirit lives on in every cherished memory, and I find comfort in the lasting legacy of her love and kindness.