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