My mom's mom, who we called Granny, was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She had limitations, don't get me wrong but for the most part she was nice to everyone. She taught me the value of learning and using someone's name, that when you judge people harshly it's normally what you end up doing yourself, and the art of hospitality. She taught my mom how to give a guilt trip better than anyone I know and she taught all of us that, above all, family sticks together. She may have hated what you were doing, but we always know she still loved us. She was one of the best living lessons on God hates the sin but not the sinner. Everyone knew the door at 263 Carrolton was open to all and there was always a pot of coffee for anyone who dropped by. I loved having holidays at Granny's because you never knew what new face would be there or what new story you would hear. You may never see that new person again but in that time and in that season they needed a family and we were it. There was always room in her life for new people. I want that for myself. I want to teach that lesson to Cal. People need people. This is something I struggle with because I dislike sharing my life and feelings with people, but it is a lesson I want to pass on to my son. I want him to always know that holidays are not sacred events that are for family only. I want him to know that what makes holidays truly worth celebrating are the "extras" and that sometimes those "extras" become a part of your family even more than those who are family by birth. Granny always taught us to be welcoming. She taught us to love despite what people may do or say and she taught us that sometimes to love someone you have to tell them the things they do not want to hear. I hope that one day I can be like her and love like her. I hope I can accept like her.
Granny and some of our "extra" family. The Lunch Bunch ladies have always been part of our lives
My dad's mom, she is Grandma, is also one of the kindest people I know, but in a totally different way. Grandma loves quietly. She sends birthday cards and gives people plants that she had extras of. More than anything she is incredibly strong! You will never see Grandma standing up in front of a group of people telling them what to do, but she has an iron will. She raised 6 kids and made a family. She has been married to the same man for 60+ years and did it knowing neither family was incredibly thrilled with the marriage. Grandma went to Washington to speak out against abortion, was an active member of the Republican party, and worked the voting polls for as long as I can remember. She can take random ingredients and make a meal. Grandma is someone I look up to for her silent strength, her ability use kind words all the time, and her amazing homeyness.
That's me and Grandma! Somedays I think we look alike.
So how do these seemingly polar opposites combine? I do not know. They each have so many great qualities. They are both strong Southern women- one outspoken, the other quiet. They both know how to instill family values. The French family is all about communication while the Lemm's go months without speaking. They love so differently, but each family is led by a strong woman. One day I want to be that strong woman at the head of my family.
Happy Memorial Day!
Beautiful, simply beautiful. No other words.
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