5d • General discussion
A Tribute to Connie Brown
A Tribute to Connie Brown: Gone but Never Forgotten
There aren’t enough colors on a palette to describe the woman she was. To many, she was "Grandma Cookie"—the woman whose kitchen always smelled like heaven and whose door was always open. To her, a cookie wasn’t just a treat; it was an olive branch, a "welcome home," and a way to say I love you all at once. She was the definition of kind and nurturing, making sure no one ever left her house with an empty stomach or a heavy heart. To our family, she was a supportive wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother who always led with grace.
For me, she was my first and greatest teacher. She was an artist, but she didn’t keep that gift for herself. I remember sitting with her, learning to draw and paint. She taught me how to see beauty in the world, how to be patient with myself, and how—if you look close enough—there is light and color even in the darkest corners.
Beyond the art studio and the kitchen, there was the farm. When the rooster would crow, I’d climb into bed with Grandma and Grandpa, complaining that the "shikins" woke me up. They would cuddle me, comfort me, and help me fall back asleep. In later years, they made every little girl’s dream come true by providing me with a pony, a horse, and riding lessons. One of the biggest lessons I learned there was that when you get knocked down, you have to get back up and get back on the horse. It wasn’t just about the gifts; it was about the way they showed up for me, cheering from the sidelines and making sure I had the wings to fly. They gave me a childhood filled with magic and adventure, teaching me that with a little courage, patience, and love, I could do anything.
It’s been hard to put into words the impact she had, but I know this for sure: I wouldn’t be who I am today without her. She showed me that you don’t need a lot of words to show love; you just need to be present, be kind, and maybe have a batch of something warm ready to share.
Grandma, thank you for the lessons on canvas and in life, the warmth of your kitchen, and the unconditional love you poured into all of us. You were a vibrant soul who left the world more colorful and sweeter than you found it. The legacy you left is not what is etched in stone, but what you have woven into the hearts of others.
You finished your masterpiece here, and it is more beautiful than anything we could have imagined. We will love you always.
2
1 comment
A Tribute to Connie Brown
