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Note: Birth record has Bernita Meredith Nelson. Always known as Meredith. Teacher prior to marriage. Written by David Heald and spoken at her memorial service by Michael Heald, 29 Sep 1997. Estes Park, CO:
"At least six years ago, while we still lived in Bronxville, my family and I went to Estes Park to visit Grandma. It was summertime, and Mike and I were so excited to go and see her. After landing in Denver, we disembarked to see Uncle Gordon waiting to pick up Mom, Dad, Mike, and me. The drive out of Denver always seemed to take us from city to beauty. As we left Denver, passed through Boulder, and started climbing through the foothills to the Rockies, I remember thinking how amazing the place where Grandma lived in was. Finally we arrived in Estes Park.
When we pulled into the driveway that led up to her house, I jumped from the car and ran up the stairs. Of course, Grandma was at the door with a smile on her face. By this age, I was taller than she was, and had to bend down to hug her. Although I realize now that she was quite short, when I was a kid, she always seemed so big to me.
I remember waking up early in the mornings because I was still on east coast time. Even though I was up early, Grandma would be up earlier and having her usual meal of all-bran and toast. One day I was able to spend alone with her. Mom, Dad, and Mike all had decided to go hiking, but I hadn't been in the mood and wanted to just relax with Grandma. I remember sitting at the dining room table with her and learning how to play the card game 21. Once I had the hang of the game, we played round after round. Although I got better, I don't think I ever managed to win. Grandma seemed to be quite the master of cards.
I asked her about Dad when he was a kid. Although I always was hoping for a horror story about Dad, I mostly heard wild stories about Uncle John. She told me funny stories about Dad, such as how he and Uncle John would dig big pits in the backyard.
She took me to jump on the trampoline at her friend's house. She watched me bouncing around in the air with a smile on her face. And most of all, I remember the walk we took up Prospect Mt, past the water pipes and to the top. We walked slowly up the dirt road, looking at animal tracks, taking in the unbelievable views, and talked. We got to the top, to the gondola, and I was so impressed that we had both made it.
Later that day, when the rest of the family had returned, we all went to a trout farm to catch dinner. Mike and I immediately caught several fish. We were so proud and showed them off to Grandma. That night, we fried them up on Grandma's stove. The whole family was there, laughing and relaxing while the fish cooked.
I suppose it isn't until now that I realize how fortunate I was to decide to stay home with Grandma that day. She was someone special, strong, and independent. I am so lucky to have shared one day alone with her. I love her, miss her, and will carry my memories of Grandma and that day and visit forever."
The ashes of Meredith and Alfred are buried at St. Bartholomews Episcopal Church, Estes Park, CO.
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