The first time I met SuperG's grandma, Orpha, I was so terrified. From what I had heard, she was a woman who commanded respect, who was quiet and gentle, but she was the matriarch of this clan that I had come to know and love.
I walked into her tidy duplex, and felt the pang of nostalgia. Everything was neat, every item placed Just So, and most everything was just as it was in 1977, still in mint condition.
We exchanged pleasantries, I felt a bit awkward, almost like meeting the Queen Mum, I wondered if I should bow.
Then she looked at me, square in the eye.
"What church to you attend?"
I smiled politely and said "Oh, I'm a Lutheran."
She inhaled deeply, sitting up stiff straight, folded her hands and looked away.
"Oh, We don't speak to Lutherans"
I froze in terror, what had I done? Should I have lied and professed my undying devotion to the Presbyterians?
Then I saw this every so slight, wry smile on her lips. She had pulled one over one me, and I passed with flying colors.
Even though I ended up bringing her grandson into the Lutheran collective, I think she still liked me.
On November 10, 2007, just 3 weeks after her 100th birthday, Orpha passed away. Perhaps it was a tribute, but the Huskers finally won a game, and won big, on the same day.
Rest in Peace, great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, wife and friend. For what it is worth, I believe they do let Presbyterians into Heaven ;-)
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