Grandma Margie has always been a constant in my life. I honestly can't remember a time in my life that she wasn't there. Many of my childhood memories were made at her house. Spring breaks and summers were spent staying with her. Daddy and momma worked year round, so I would stay with her during all the breaks. We took trips to my Aunt's house in Cape. We worked in the garden. Hours were spent watching her sew or crochet. We shelled beans. We stood in the kitchen and watched her cook wonderful meals (breakfast, lunch and supper). We played in the sheets and towels that were hung out on the clothes line. Many games of hide and go seek were played. Tanya Tucker could be heard playing while we two stepped and danced around the living room. Night times were filled with reading books, or watching a movie while she put my hair in sponge rollers. I never remember being bored at her house. There was always something to keep us busy.
During Spring break, the boys and I went and stayed at Bennie and Pops (my mom and dad..they live probably less than a football field away from Grandma). While we were there, Grandma and I reminisced on the memories we made. We looked at old pictures and talked about the good times. We also spent some precious time in the kitchen cooking our favorite meal! White beans, fried potatoes, cornbread, and slaw. As I sat in her living room, tears came to my eyes because I felt like for the first time I actually saw her as an 88 year old woman. I saw the wrinkles and age spots on her hands, the grey hair, the tiredness in her eyes, and how she has slowed down. It finally hit me hard that this woman, the woman who has always been my cheerleader, the woman who has picked me up when I am down, the woman who never saw my faults, this woman who showed me a love of the kitchen, and many other things would not be with me forever.
The love of a grandma is like nothing else in the world. It is the precious hand that wipes away your tears. Its the arms that hold you until you fall asleep. Its the purse that you know without a doubt will have gum or some kind of candy in it.
When Matthew and I got married, I was sad because I knew I wouldn't see my Grandma as much as I was use to. I had no idea that God had a woman in my mind to step in and be the Grandma that I needed, enter Grandma Betty! There are not enough words in the world to describe how wonderful this woman is. 11 years later, and I can honestly say God knew I needed Grandma Betty. We have a wonderful relationship, and she has taught me the kind of mom and grandma I want to be.
My entire life has been surrounded by wonderful women, who have helped shaped the woman that I am and the woman I am still becoming. I thank God everyday for Grandma Margie and Grandma Betty. My life would not be the same without them, and I am beyond grateful for every moment I have with him. If you are lucky enough to have a grandparent living, please do everything you can to spend as much time with them as possible. Listen to their stories. Learn their ways (special recipes, sewing, etc). Take pictures with them. Just be with them. You will never regret it!
Hope everyone has a blessed day!
Lots of love...
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