Grandmothers

We are better adults if we regard our childhoods instead of disregarding them because our childhoods shape us. It is during our formative years, beginning in infancy and ending when we finally fly the coop, that we form habits. Our habits were strongly shaped by those who  raised us. 

Our parents and siblings might have had the greatest influence in our lives, but our Grandmas most likely added some sway to our lives as well. Remembering them and the weight they may have wielded in our lives reminds us that our lives are a lot richer because of them. 

We lived near my Mom’s mom, Grandma Weber, for a good portion of my life. Not only that, but I also lived with her for a few months when I was twelve. 

Living with Grandma, even for that short amount of time, was the most stable and safe place for me at the time. She was the buffer between me the events leading up to my father’s suicide. 

Grandma had a way of maintaining a sense of  order, routine and even some comedy relief when the rest of the world was falling down around me. Meals were made, the house was cleaned and favorite T.V. shows were watched while my father’s depression, downheartedness and despair took place around the periphery of my life. 

After Dad ended his life, I moved back in with Mom, but Grandma lived close enough to remain my ballast. 

Grandma Rose, my father’s mother, lived geographically farther away. It was an eight hour drive to visit her. 

Dad would load some of us, never all of us at the same time, into the station wagon to visit Grandma Rose. She was a tall, big boned woman with fair skin. She wore colorful aprons, sensible heeled shoes and nylons. Her skin was as soft as bread dough. 

Grandma Rose drove a 1920 Ford car. I remember riding with her to the cemetery to visit Grandpa’s grave. There was a cousin of mine buried beside Grandpa. She’d died from accidentally drinking turpentine long before I was born.

Both of my grandmother’s left their imprint in my life. I have Rose’s recipe for shiskie; fried sweet dough rolled in sugar along with her dinner roll recipe. My physique is similar to hers; tall and big- boned.

I have some of Grandma Weber’s recipes and maintain a routine like she did even though at times the world seems to be falling down around me. Grandma inspired me to maintain a healthy regiment of eating well and always exercising. 

Both Grandmas were women of faith who remained faithful to their faith all their lives. I’d like to think I will do the same. 

Why Bother?

Why bother remembering Grandmothers?  Remembering our Grandmothers helps us to remember those who enriched our lives with the richness of their lives. 

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.