I would be honored to kick off this new blog with my own favorite memories of Grandpa Jim!
I remember visiting Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jean's house as a young child. I loved to go there! I would spend hours in the basement with Grandpa Jim and his art supplies. We made blank journals together and colored posters with his awe inspiring collection of markers. There was an ever-lingering smell of cigar smoke about Grandpa Jim. While he quit smoking the cigars years ago - because he discovered that it endangered Grandma Jean's health - the smell of cigar smoke still brings back pleasant and warm memories!
I also remember our trips to the art supply store with Grandpa Jim. We would be on our way out the door and Grandma Jean would shake her head and say "I really should at least take your credit cards away before you two leave..." Sending the two of us into an art store unsupervised was risky indeed!
I fully credit Grandpa Jim for my love of fine dining! He and Grandma Jean took us to the most amazing restaurants. There was a Japanese place "Ichiban" where they cooked the food in the middle of the table. If I concentrate really hard, I think I can still taste the amazing marinade they used on their shrimp! And then the dinner theater.... don't even get me started on the delightful times we had watching "Fiddler on the Roof."
I also remember Grandma Jean's Christmas trees. She decorated one tree with white doves and red cardinals! Gorgeous. She made Christmas so special for us. She would load presents under the tree and end up laughing at how carried away she had gotten. I would worry that maybe next year she would remember it, and cut back on the amount that she would buy. But she never did! If anything, the next year's tree would seem even smaller in comparison to the stacks of brightly colored boxes below.
And speaking of gifts, Grandpa Jim's Christmas presents always included jewelry for the women. I still remember how special and grown up I felt when I got a little box with earrings. I think I was 7. And I still have those earrings!
When my daughter, Ellie, was only two years old, Grandma Jean began keeping her on Thursday mornings so that I could get some free time. I was so thankful to have that time away, but what I didn't realize was how deep of a bond my daughter and my grandma were forging. Their Thursdays began to become even more cherished by them than they were by me! I can just imagine my sweet girl in Heaven (yes, she made it there before her great-grandmother) just waiting and planning to someday spend her Thursdays showing Grandma Jean the streets of gold.
I have so many wonderful memories of my beloved grandparents... they have always loved me, encouraged me, and been generous beyond measure. Grandpa Jim, I hope that this blog will bring you great joy as you bring people together through the sharing of memories! I love you and Grandma Jean so much.
Friday, June 27, 2008
FROM GRANDDAUGHTER, Sarah
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2 comments:
Great Memory Sarah! As you know, we still hear the words, "We've really overdone this year, we should really cut back!" But the pile of presents continues to grow each years, as does our family, which is good!
I remember spending time with my dad's parents. They lived next door and my grandpa would pick me up most days after Kg in his wagon and off we would go so he could "peddle" his vegetables from his garden. My mom's mom stayed with different family members (her favorite being the cousins in Evergreen, Alabama). They lived in the country and she spent more time there than anywhere. But she always remembered our birthday by giving us a $1.00 bill. Of course, in the 50's that could buy a good bit of candy at the neighborhood store. I hope my kids have fond memories of the grandparents they knew. Dot
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