As I think about all the amazing veterans who have served, I can’t help but be grateful for their sacrifice. Both Ryan and I have grandparents, as well as other relatives, who have served this wonderful country that we are blessed to live in. One of those was my Grandmother, Melba Lee Simmons Johnson. Grandma served in WW II as a member of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and later worked on the administrative side of the USA's nuclear testing program.
Grandma passed away in 2016. She died quietly at the age of 97, in contrast to her vibrant, well-lived life. Those who knew her remember her intelligence, her quick humor, and her generosity. I will always remember her love for crossword puzzles, her endless supply of candy, her pride of having all her teeth still and her love of adventure. When my sister and I were living in China teaching English, my mother and grandma came to visit us. At one point during her visit she tripped on an elevated doorframe, falling and getting a black eye and bruised cheek. She was in her late 80’s and yet, that didn’t stop her one bit from enjoying the rest of her trip.
This past summer during a family reunion my mom brought out some of Grandma’s old clothes, including her WAAC uniform. It was fun watching my nieces model the clothes. I love that we have these tangible pieces of her to remind us of this wonderful woman!
