As some of you may know, I've been out of town a lot this week with my grandmother who is having some pretty serious health issues. We've been to numerous doctors, and now we are awaiting the results of several tests to see what our next move is. I love being able to take care of my MawMaw as she has taken care of me and been my rock all my 29 years.
As a child, I remember lots of things about MawMaw's and PawPaw's house. It was quite literally my second home. I spent most of my summers there, and when I was sick and couldn't go to school, off to MawMaw's I went. I also remember quite well pretending to be sick many days just to go to MawMaw's. It never failed that at 10:00 am ON THE DOT, we watched Bob Barker and The Price Is Right. We would make wagers along with the contestants as well as ridicule the ones that we thought were WAY out of the ballpark! Later on, Bob Barker turned into Jerry Springer as I got MawMaw hooked on The Springer Show! Talk about some fun with your grandmother! :)
I remember my MawMaws long corded (gasp!) phone that was plugged into the hallway. MawMaw would stretch the cord back into her bedroom and talk on the phone and smoke cigarettes. Yes, cigarettes - it was the 1980s. Virginia Slims to be exact.
I remember our secret plan. One day, we were going to steal away and climb to the top of the Kentucky Fried Chicken bowl and hide away while eating all of the chicken inside.
I remember at the beginning of each August, MawMaw taking us school shopping for our new clothes.
I remember sitting at my grandmother's vanity and putting on make-up or combing my hair - something that my daughter loves just as much today as I did 20+ years ago.
I remember my PawPaw telling me that I couldn't date a guy unless I brought him by to meet them first. They loved my husband the minute he walked in the door.
I remember PawPaw and his "magic" truck. We could pull the keys out of the ignition and it would still run! MAGIC!
I remember PawPaw taking us to Woodland Park to go fishing in the pond. I remember accidentally hooking PawPaw's finger instead of a fish!
I remember getting PawPaw's almost non-existant hair tangle up in a black comb and my mom having to work for hours to get it out.
I remember nights of Go Fish, Yahtzee, and air-popped popcorn.
I could go on forever about my memories of the best grandparents in the world, but I can summarize it down to just a few simple words:
I remember safety, comfort, warmth, fun, and laughter. I love you both!
I encourage all of you to get out there and document your family. So often, we are so busy that we let the real moments pass us by. Take the time to really look at your world. You'll cherish those memories forever.
I know I will.
Please click on the link below for a slideshow of images.
MawMaw and PawPaw
