Brittany Cotton
Hai everyone, My name is Brittany Lynn and I’m a family friend but Char was like a grandma to me, I wrote something special for everyone so thank you for a few moments of your time.
I don’t think there are enough words
to truly express how stunning and extraordinary our Grandma Char was.
She was the kind of woman whose presence alone
could brighten any room.
You felt it the moment you walked in.
If you were hungry,
she made sure you were fed
or at least pointed you exactly where to find something.
If you wanted soda or water,
she never hesitated.
Taking care of people
was simply who she was.
The stories she told were wonderful and funny,
and I loved laughing with her.
She had this laugh
so contagious,
so full of life
that once you heard it,
you couldn’t help but smile.
When Grandma Char laughed,
everything felt lighter.
Somehow,
she had a way of making everything better,
even when things were hard.
A few years ago,
I became obsessed with a nightlight
she had in her bathroom.
It was a sensor aquarium light
with little clownfish,
and I used to joke with her
that one day
I was going to steal it.
On one Christmas,
she surprised me
with one of my own.
I couldn’t help but cry
when she gave it to me.
It was such a simple gift
but it meant everything.
That was Grandma Char.
Paying attention.
Remembering the little things.
And turning them into something unforgettable.
That little fake aquarium
has been in my bathroom ever since,
and I absolutely love it.
Every time I see it,
I think of her.
Grandma Char was also
absolutely crazy about Christmas.
Her house in the winter
felt magical
filled with snow globes,
clocks,
the Christmas tree,
and so many decorations
that made the season feel alive.
And when the weather warmed up,
she loved feeding the birds.
She especially loved correcting me
when I got her favorites wrong.
I always called them red robins,
and every time
she would gently remind me
they were cardinals.
Even when I finally knew better,
I still said it wrong sometimes.
I think I just liked
hearing her correct me.
I loved going to her house
when family was there
hearing everyone talking and laughing,
especially while canning in mason jars.
I remember stopping by
and watching,
even for just a moment,
and feeling how full that house was.
Full of noise.
Full of love.
Full of life.
Grandma Char would listen
to anyone who needed to talk.
She made you feel heard.
She’d tease you too
but always in the most loving way,
the kind that made you feel special
just for being noticed.
She loved her family,
her friends,
and her pets endlessly,
and she gave that love freely.
I hope her paradise in the sky
is filled with the same warmth
she gave us here.
I hope it’s full of laughter,
love,
and peace.
We all love you, Grandma Char.
And we always will.
