Why knowing Penny Wilcox has made me a better person (In loving memory)

Most of us go through life looking for purpose; hoping that somehow, at the end of the day, we’ve made a difference in some way.  That the people we love know we love them, that the people we don’t know can somehow benefit from us, and that the world is somehow a better place because we were there.

I don’t know if that was Penny’s vision, but it certainly was her achievement.  I, for one, have been changed for the better.

Grandma Penny with four of her biggest fans (the feeling was mutual).

 Penny had an unconditional and fierce love for her family.  They were all perfect in her eyes, deserving of unwavering love and affection...and whatever their hearts desired.  I used to be concerned about her “spoiling” her grandkids and that they weren’t appreciating her gifts.  What I understand now is that her gifts were much bigger than the abundance of toys in the unwrapped bags- her gifts made people feel special.  That is what my kids will remember about Grandma.

Penny had one of the most generous and empathetic hearts I’ve ever seen.  If the kids came to her crying, more often than not they would both end up in tears.  If someone crossed you, Penny would have your back, no matter what.  You knew she was always on your side.

And it wasn’t just family- it was not unusual that she would befriend complete strangers and, if they had a need, she would help them in any way she could.  Or they would just talk for hours- just ask Renee about her namesake.  Penny wore her heart on her sleeve and would give the shirt off her back if the situation called for it.  

Penny has inspired me to be more adventurous with my family for the sake of creating memories. There was more than one occasion when I would begrudgingly agree to an excursion with the kids at Penny’s request because of the burden it placed on me as the parent.  Let’s face it, going anywhere with four young kids is difficult, and more often than not, stressful.  But Penny had the wisdom to know that the temporary stress on me would far outweigh the happy, lifelong memories being created for the kids.  Now those moments are cherished memories that will live long after she’s gone.

And that is why I will be a better mother, wife, parent and person having known Penny.  I learned that sometimes life is less about doing and more about being, and THAT is the kind of legacy I hope I will leave too some day.

With gratitude and in loving memory,
Aimee