My family structure is very simple, yet unique. Let me put it this way, it was typical until I was grown and now, unique best describes it. My mother was 12th of 13 children, and the youngest girl. 10 boys and 3 girls, and a whole lotta cousins probably would describe that clan. My dad, however, exact opposite, only child, few cousins, small, quaint, and conservative. Growing up, my paternal grandparents stayed next door then across the street from us, so I saw them on a daily basis. My maternal grandmother passed away before me or my sister was born, and my maternal grandfather passed away when I was 8.
Being that, I saw my paternal grandparents daily, they had a great impact on my life. Not to say that maternal grandparents did not. I just simply have more memories and life lessons from them. My paternal grandma is still living and is still very active. She taught school for over 50 years (including substituting) and is one of my inspirations for entering into the teaching profession. She is always fair and just, and is a fearless woman of God. I admire her strength and her big heart. She is always so willing to share and give anything that she can if she has it.
I was so close to my grandaddy. I was a "Grandaddy's girl" for sure. Spoiled rotten didn't begin to describe the relationship we had. I would have anything that I wanted. For so long, you couldn't tell me I wasn't his favorite, but I later learned that he a had a personal connection with all of us. Granddaddy taught me so much about life and a few choice words too! He taught me it's the simple things that really make you happy. (Sort of like, the cone of ice cream he would get me from Chapin Pharmacy or Eaglet Corner on our ice cream runs!) He also taught me that being there was just as important. I will never forget the day I went to try for my license. He was sick (I'm sure it was Stage 4 lung cancer, by then) and couldn't drive. He got his friend to drive him to the DMV where they surprised me as I sat nervously waiting on the driver inspector to come out. They pulled up, blowed the horn at me, and motioned for me to roll the window down. He told me I would do fine and that he would be waiting when I got back. And they were, I failed by a few points (yeah, uh huh!), but he reassured me we would work on it when we got back home. And so we did He was sick and feeble, but rode around with me for days, making me practice parallel parking. I went back a few days later, and the same thing happened. He and his friend pulled up. I got a thumbs up and a big grin. I came back with a reflection of that grin. I was so happy, I had passed my drivers test, and he was too. I thanked him for being there for me, and I'll never forget what he said to me, "I wouldn't have been anywhere else in the world." I got home and later that evening I drove him to his sickly sisters house right down the road. We stayed for hours and I didn't complain. On the two minute drive home, he told me how proud he was of me and that he knew I would be alright. I had my driver's license and was well on my way to finishing high school. He told me never let anyone take those 2 pieces of paper away from me. He told me he wasn't gonna be around forever, but he would always be with me. Weeks passed and it wasn't long before he passed away. My heart was heavy, but I knew he was in a better place. Everyone kept a watchful eye on me, because they didn't know how it would effect me. The night, I graduated from high school, I had his picture safety pinned in my graduation gown. My mother checked behind me to make sure I had everything. She went to fuss and ask, "What is that you are trying to sneak out of here?" (I'm sure that is what she was thinking, I never tried to sneak out btw), She opened it saw his picture and handed me my robe with tears in her eyes. I told her, " He had to be there closest to my heart." She didn't argue with me, just gave me a hug and sent me on my way. There were moments and times that I still carry his picture with me. I know that he is proud of me and my accomplishments. I know he would be so in love with Kaedyn if he were here too!
My grandparents have taught me to have an open heart and to love everyone. Being there is important and that opposites really do attract. My grandaddy taught me how to stand up for myself and to make sure that people know you mean business. My grandmother taught me how to be gentle and loving. Nevertheless, they all have taught me so much.
What I know for sure. . . . My grandparents have impacted my life tremendously.
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