My Grandma was not an easy woman. She couldn't be. Her parents died when she was little girl, leaving she and her siblings to be raised by the oldest brother. They worked hard in tobacco fields in unbearable heat in the low-country of South Carolina. When she was older, she married my Papa. He was an alcoholic who, on a good (sober) day was a good Daddy to his five children. On a bad day, he spent his paycheck on booze. My Grandma had to work hard to care for their five children.
By the time I was born in 1970-something, my Grandma already had 11 grandchildren. My cousins were several years ahead of me — elementary or junior high school. I missed out on a lot of not-so-good years, since by the time I was born my Papa was (mostly) sober. I am also sure I missed out on a lot of important things, like knowing my cousins while I was growing up (although we're making up for that now, I think — all of us being adults now).
While my Grandma was not traditional, or soft, she was loving. And she desired for all of us — her children, grandchildren (13) and great-grandchildren (10 when Grandma passed away in 2002; 20 as of today) — to be successful.
But tonight's post is more of a fun one. At least for me.
My sister and I would spend several weeks during the summer break with my Grandma. We loved it. We had tons of freedom (as long as our lights were out and we were in bed when Grandma was); we got to ride horses with cousins, learned to drive cars on dirt roads and got to go to the beach at least once a week. We also got to help Grandma in her garden, feed and water the chickens, goats and guniea fowl and help with meals and cleaning.
But again, I digress.
My Grandma was fun. She told jokes, acted silly with us and sang songs while teaching us a lot about how to work hard and respect others.
Tonight I found this recording of a song my Grandma used to sing to me. I actually thought that she'd made it up. It would have been cool if she had, but I'm glad to have this since I don't have a recording of her singing it.
Enjoy.
Brooke, it is so wonderful to have great memories of our grandparents! I actually appreciate those memories now that my grandparents are gone and I am older. I really wish when I was younger I had taken the time to let them all know what they meant to me! Thank you so much for this post that makes me also reflect on the great times and things they have taught me!!
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