I knew what I was going to write about well before the morning came.  I knew it was going to be about Todd's grandmother, Grandma Dumpling.  But, I wasn't sure what I wanted to say.  And as I thought about her life, her legacy, the words and memories became crystal clear.

Grandma Dumpling, a name my children gave her because of the amazing plum dumplings she made, was a woman of not so many words, but of character. She immigrated to the United States when she was in her teens.  She spent the early years of her life in Czechoslovakia living and tending a farm.  She came to Minnesota, married, had a family and spent the rest of her days living her life to the fullest.

At her funeral I was once again reminded of the depth of character found in this extraordinary woman.  When everyone was given an opportunity to share memories about Grandma the bulk of memories were about her incredible can do attitude.  She was on her roof at 89 years old cleaning out her gutters.  She was walking barefoot on the beach in Florida at 93.  She was reading to my Grace at 98 years old.  And Grace, sweet Grace, adored her.  She loved sitting with her, playing with her necklaces, and talking with her.  She taught me how to cook Czech food at 95.  She did and did and did....never once did I see her age hold her back.  (this was until she fell at 99 years old...then she lived in a nursing home.  She ached to have her freedom, her strength.)

Grandma Dumpling reading with two year old Grace (spring 2003)

Grandma worked hard.  She valued work.  But, she didn't need praise for her work.  She'd spend hours making an amazing chicken noodle soup with hand sliced noodles because she loved us...not because she needed acclaim and praise. (We did make sure to heap it on her...) She tended her raspberry bushes, she worked in the gardens, she tended her home.  She was determined.  So often we look for status and praise in what we do.  We think work needs recognition.  But, when I ponder Grandma's life I realize that she thought of work as a gift.  Work was freedom.  Playing 500 was a gift...something to look forward to...but work, it was part of the day.  Not to be avoided, just completed.  Without complaint.

Below, in her handwriting, is her recipe for plum dumplings.  I knew when she gave it to me years ago that I was going to save it...that there was significance to it.  If you look at it, there are no fancy techniques, extra steps, and even much information....yet...it's all I need to make plum dumplings.  Grandma didn't need to take the time to make the recipe look more than it was.  She knew that the end result would speak for itself. 

Plum Dumpling Recipe

Isn't that the truth about character?  A real determination of character can be seen in the results, not in all the talk and embellishments beforehand.  So often it's tempting to create this illusion of self.  That I've got it all together, that I'm super mom, that my kids are homeschool geniuses.  And yet, when I look at Grandma Dumpling, I'm reminded that there is true character in being real, and in work.  Those weathered hands worked until they could no longer.  Her character was in her reliabilty...in her honesty...in her can do it self.  These are the values that I hope to cultivate, to teach to my children. 

Her character was not just in giving information, but in teaching, passing on information.  To you, her words above might look like no information.  Certainly not a recipe.  But for me, who spent hours side by side, with her hands teaching mine how to roll the dough and wrap the plums, those letters are only part of the mix.  Looking at the recipe reminds me to take time to teach this recipe to my children.  To continue passing down, from generation to generation, this recipe.  But more than that, it's a demonstration of how character is less about words and more about action.  Those words alone don't portray the depth of love and determination wrapped up in Grandma.  Character is deep and lasting.  Grandma taught me to value work, to teach, and above all to love. 

Thanks for remembering with me today.  I am so grateful for this blogging meme.  Please go to Lynnette's Blog Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground to read more memories.

Blessings,

Rachel

Great Grandma Dumpling's 100th Birthday Party