Grandparents

I have been planning on writing a blog about grandparents for a little while now. How convenient that it’s Grandparents Day today!

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Grandparents, in a sense, set the tone for families. They are the tradition setters. My grandparents on both sides have been some pretty awesome tradition setters. I hope that one day Zach and I have the stories and experiences to give our grandchildren that ours have given us.

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I have had the privilege of being around many grandparents as a teacher. I get to interact with the students’ grandparents, and some of my coworkers are grandparents. Grandchildren, you are the pride and joy of your grandparents! You are all that they ever talk about. They inflate even your smallest accomplishments, because they just love you so much. Grandchildren, get on the phone and call your grandparents! Go see them! Make sure you tell them that you love them and, goodness, give them something to be proud of in you!

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My “Mammaw” died on August 19, 2013. She left behind SO many incredible memories, and she led a ridiculously full life. She went on safaris in Africa, she was in the homemaker’s club and could put anybody to shame in sewing, canning, baking, you name it! Her nickname was “Trigger” because she could outhunt anyone! She was a softball player and coach. She would have celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary this next April. Think of how many stories she has in that alone! She rode horses, four wheelers, all of the southern girl things. She was on a bowling league. They’ve had a pet raccoon, pigeons, and probably other animals I’m not aware of. We will probably all lose weight without her delicious sweet treats! When you walked into her home though, you knew you were loved and accepted. She was one of those grandmas that when she hugged you, she patted your bottom. Ha Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. Your grandma probably does it, too!

My grandmother’s funeral was beautiful. She did something I have never seen or heard of being done at a funeral. She had a dove releasing ceremony. There were three baskets of doves. One basket held three doves, representing the trinity. My mother opened that basket. The next basket held twelve doves, representing the loved ones that had gone before us. My Aunt Becky opened that basket. The final dove represented her spirit ascending into heaven. My grandfather got to release that dove. I am SO thankful for my friend, Angela Waller for being there for support. I am also so thankful that she thought to get pictures of the ceremony when that was the last thing on my mind.

The last one is my grandfather releasing his dove. Thank you SO MUCH for these pictures, Angela! You’re the best.

Reader friends, if you still have your grandparents please visit/call them regularly. Give them something to be proud of in you. If your grandparents are gone, reminisce. Cherish the memories you do have. Happy Grandparents Day, friends.

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy

It’s September Already?!?

 

It’s Wednesday! I love linking up with Jamie for WILW! No matter what is going on, there is always something in which you can rejoice. Wednesdays leave me with a fresher, more thankful mindset.

First of all, I am LOVING that we had a three-day weekend! It is exactly what this teacher needed. I was LOVING that Zach and I had nowhere to go and really nowhere to be. It’s good to just be sometimes. I was so productive with schoolwork and housework. It was quite wonderful.

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I’m LOVING that we had a date night to Chile’s, and we rented the movie “42”. I LOVED that movie. I recommend renting it.

 

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I know I’ve said this before, but I am LOVING my new school! Their vision for the students is awesome, and it’s so great to see the effect of what the staff has been doing with the students. The staff is super supportive of not only what goes on in the classroom, but also supportive of what goes on in the life of the students and other staff members. It has just been a great experience since I have been at the school.

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I am also VERY MUCH LOVING my handsome husband. He has helped me every day to clean up and straighten up my classroom after school. (We work at the same school.) He does it without me even asking. He teaches middle school and high school, and I teach 2nd grade. Elementary school teachers know that lunchtime is a SHORT time for you, and you can’t really go far from your kiddos. He has gone to microwave some of my lunches and brought them to me because he knows I can’t leave my kids. That might not sound like a big deal, but you think about cold roast. My man has served and loved me well, and I pray that I can serve, love, and encourage him in the same way. I hope you’re having a great Wednesday, reader friends.

 

Shaped by Grace,

Jessica Hardy