Pennies From Heaven

I have this thing about pennies.  I don't recall quite how it started, but after my Papa (Harold Thurber) passed away, whenever I saw a penny on the ground I would pick it up - no matter if it was tails or heads up.  I had come to believe that it's his way of saying "Hello" to me.

As time has gone on, I've lost other special people in my family - my Nana (Alice Thurber), Grandpa Joe Stanish, and Grandma Da Silva. One by one they have joined my pennies from heaven club.  It gives me a warm feeling to still feel their presence.  The great thing is that at times when I've been troubled and needed someone on my side, I would find a penny, and my problems would wash away.  And of course, I would hear Louis Prima in my head singing "Pennies from Heaven" as well.....shoobie doobie.  Tell me that song doesn't make you happy.  I have quite the collection of pennies now which all amount to good memories. 

Today, another very special person has joined the club.  My sweet Grandma Stanish will now be sending me pennies from heaven.

Although we lived across the country from each other and rarely saw each other, we had a special relationship.  We shared some great conversations and laughs.  Her sense of humor was dry and unexpected.  One of my favorite memories was sitting in her living room watching "Tommy Boy" together, just Gram and me.  She laughed through the whole movie and commented quite often "what an idiot" Chris Farley's character was.  She cracked me up with that.  It still makes me smile. 

I'm glad I made it out to Pennsylvania for an all too quick trip this past summer.  She shared old family photos and stories with me, which was immensely special.  I bawled like a baby when I said goodbye to her on that trip...and she just looked up at me with her sweet, mischievous, knowing smile. 

I'll miss our talks, Grandma, and I look forward to your first penny from heaven.

Bernette Elizabeth Stanish
October 7, 1919 - March 6, 2011