As I have watched my two grandmothers throughout the years, there are countless lessons that will forever be written on the walls of my heart.
From Minmaw Bishop these are a few of the things I learned:
- How to give a hug and really mean it ( Thank you for some of the BEST hugs in the world )
- What selflessness means when it comes to giving of yourself for others and especially for your family
- What a home-cooked meal should really taste like: fried round steak, fried squash, fried okra, mashed potatoes, fesh green beans, ripe tomatoes, cantaloupe, fried apple pies, and don't forget the cool whip !
- How to make " Jack-and-the Beanstalk" , "The Three Little Pigs" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" come ALIVE.
- How to be a wife and serve your husband in sickness and in health
- How to enjoy the simple things in life such as pickin' up pecans, decorating a Christmas tree, or singing 27 rounds of "How Great Thou Art"
- How to pull your britches up, take a trip to Walmarts, and pick up a bag of Frittos (Fritos) !
- Contentment: I never have heard you complain about this or that; you just live for the moment.
- How to raise children the right way and understand what you really meant when you said, "All your troubles will be over when they start walking. " I realize now that it is just the beginning, but that it's well worth it.
- What the Great Depression was really like: I'll never understand fully what it meant to do without. You had to pick cotton early in the morning just to make ends meet.
- That it's important to NOT always do what everyone else is doing, but to do what you know is right.
- How to love people for who they are. It never mattered to you whether I was rich or poor, tall or short, popular or not-- you loved me for me.
- The importance of sitting around the table with your family telling one story after another. (much more entertaining than any of the movies I have watched)
- How to use your living room as a refrigerator when you run out of room.
- Drinking black coffee is just good for the soul.
- Smile- and make everybod love you ; Frown-- and make everybody hate you.
- How to do things out of love-- Not because you were obligated or wanted something in return, but because you genuinely loved those around you.
- Why it's important to tell stories about life experiences-- It's what keeps those memories with us forever.
- That Minmaw's is a place where anyone can just relax and be FREE !!
- That possessing wisdom is more important than how much you know
- That being a part of the "Bishop" family is something only a fortunate few get to experience, and for that I am thankful ! I love you Minmaw Bishop
From Grandmama, these are a few of the lessons I have learned:
- That laughter is the best medicine there is ( I have shared many laughs with you )
- That reading is a gift (It can teach us so much )
- How to make someone feel so.. special by giving them the most precious kiss on the cheek (Thank you for making me feel special when I see you )
- That you don't have to spend a fortune to look fashionable ( I can remember always being fascinated by all the jewelry you owned )
- That chocolate is good for you !!!
- It's important to remember your heritage -- I am always proud to say that my grandmother is full blood chech and that I am a quarter.
- How to truly love your husband as a wife should (I always love the stories you tell about you and papa )
- The gift of giving-- Thank you for all the times you stayed up late to finish an Easter dress, crochet, or make a blanket for your grandchildren. ( We all have been blessed by your giving heart)
- The importance of prayer. I always know that when Grandmama says she is praying for you, she means it. Believe me- I have felt the power, comfort, and guidance of my your prayers throughout my life.
- Teaching me what it means to serve God through your church whether it be through teaching, working with missions, singing, helping make crafts for special events, or just writing someone a letter.
- That manners are respectable and should be demonstrated. ( Having my father for a son-in-law must have been difficult -- just kidding :) )
- That a smile can brighten up somenone's day -- You are always so friendly to anyone you meet
- How to make the most beautiful dresses, blankets, crafts, etc.
- That sometimes the best day means sitting around with the ones we love as we enjoy the time we have together.
- How to listen to others-- You've always taken the time to listen and encourage.
- How to use the English language correctly (Thank you for inspiring me to love English )
- That it's ok to do without -- God will always provide
- How to trust God in all circumstances-- you have had such a strong faith in God
- The fun in being a girl-- The beautiful dolls you made for me as a child, the dresses, the shopping trips, the lunch dates, I could go on .
- How to be a friend to someone ( you have always made time for your friends by calling or writing to them )
- That your family is a treasure and should not be taken for granted. (We all love our GG) I love you Grandmama !
*Thanks PJ for inspiring me to write this blog on my grandmothers ( I read your article about your mother and was very moved by it )
