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| four generations of our family |
PRECIOUS
MEMORIES
I
was traveling in the car the other day and the song “Precious
Memories” came on. The lyrics nestled in my heart. I thought of all
of who came before me—the examples they left, the words of wisdom
they shared, the stories of perseverance they left behind.
My
grandmother raised seven children as she cleaned other people’s
houses and took in laundry, while her husband had a shoe repair shop.
The thing I remember most about my grandmother was when she was about
95 or so, she needed paint for her house but she insisted that it
come with a 25 year guarantee. Oh, and another thing, my mother said
Grandma didn’t care what grades her children got in school, as long
as they got an A in deportment. She knew how her children acted and
treated others was so important. Growing up, the thing I remember
most about my grandfather was that he hated to have his picture made,
even snapshots—NO PICTURES. That is until their 50th
anniversary—which by the way was when my grandmother got a wedding
ring. After that, he seemed to love having his picture taken. I just
realized that I have something in common with my grandfather—I hate
to have my picture taken, too. Maybe when I have my 50th
wedding anniversary, I won’t mind so much.
My
daddy always dreamed of trying to do things to improve his life, from
reading to trying to start some type of business, to changing types
of jobs. For him, it never seemed to work—BUT HE TRIED. I guess
that’s where I got the part of me, where at 60 years old, I
published my first three novels. My mother always voiced her
acknowledgement of God’s working in her everyday life. When it
rained, she would always mention how God had washed her car or
watered her flowers and vegetables. Her words still live on in my
heart and make me recognize how God is in all the things we do—big
things and little.
I
hope that my children have precious memories of me that will live in
their hearts and minds for years to come, and maybe even be passed
down to future generations.
I
wonder what memories of me my granddaughter will cherish in years to
come. Will those memories help her in trying times? Will they nestle
in her heart and help her to be a better woman? Will memories of a
loving grandmommy help her when she feels lonely or troubled as she
goes through life?
What
precious memories do you have of your parents or grandparents that
have helped you through life?
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