Grandma Melba

My Grandma Melba passed away last night, Saturday June 2, 2007 @ 9:05 PM. I already miss her. Grandma Melba wasn't an ordinary grandma. She wasn't even my real grandmother. My paternal grandmother, Juniata Campbell died of cancer when I was 2 1/2 years old. I have no memories of her but all I have to do is mention her name to any of the older members of my family or to anyone in Bakersfield and they immediately light up and begin to tell stories of what a great woman she was and the legacy she left here. Maureen Russel was beaming about her last night when I mentioned her name. I'm always jealous of those who knew her. From what people tell me I feel like she may have understood me when other people did not.

That being said I have wonderful memories with Grandma Melba. She loved to tell the story about meeting me for the first time. Grandpa Campbell introduced me to her as his Boise Idaho. Well according to Grandma Melba I got all indignant, put my hands on my hips and said, "I'm not Boise Idaho, I'm Boyce Alan Campbell". She said she's always remembered my full name since.

I had a very special bonding experience with Grandma due to my unruly childhood. Mom and Dad left town and left us under the care of Debbie and Doug Lyon. Well I wasn't getting along with Debbie all that well and she had had it with me...so I still remember her putting me in some sort of hold, escorting me to the car, and taking me to Grandma's house. I was not happy but had a great few days with Grandma. I remember her family had a reunion at Siemon Park. We had a picnic there and I played with my "step-cousins". One day we went out to her nephew Mike Brannon's farm and gleaned grapes. We picked a TON of grapes. Then she showed me how she dried them into raisins in her food dehydrator. Those are the main events I remember. I do remember spending a lot of time in the backyard and the week just flew by.

Grandma was always proud of me. I never doubted her love for me for even a second. To her we were her grandchildren. My favorite grandma phrases are "Kiddo" and "Well how bout that?" There are more but those two stick out in my mind. She's now with her first husband Edward and with Grandpa and Grandma Juniata and any other friends she may have up there. I miss her like crazy but I know she's happy! Thanks for loving me Grandma Melba!