Jan, what a grand story. You always capture my attention when I read your stories. I had the best grandparents, I was totally spoiled because I was the first. I lost my grandfather when I was 20. I had my grandmother until she was almost 100 years young. She got to see my children and help raise them with all the love that she gave me. She was in such good health, could still drive at 98. There are so many fun things that I loved, but the most cherished one is, just laying on the bed with her like two silly girls, laughing and joking and hearing all about her life in the olden days. I was her caretaker and helped her until her last day. She passed 2 weeks before turning a century old. She outlived both of her boys, all her friends, and was so ready to go home...if you know what I mean. Usually we did just lay around and giggle, oh the tales she would tell. Her mind was sharp as a tack, and boy was she hip! There isn't anything or any topic we wouldn't speak about. I will forever remember her love for me, a tiny petite lady with blue eyes named Alamae...I called her Mumpsey.
Thanks,Elise! The relationship you had with your grandmother was amazing!!! Not too many people experience that much unconditional love. You have to miss that.
Do you still feel her presence? Thanks for sharing. It warmed my heart. xoxo
The one thing I remember about my grandparents was that they would always make my brother, me and all our cousins laugh and they loved a party. My one grandpa (mom's dad) would always goof around which made my nan roll her eyes. They all treated us equally, no favourites. Miss those good times.
Yes my mom and dad always break the rules with my son. He gets away with murder.. Even now. 🤣
Anna ~ you sound like you had grandparents I'd love. And your son is lucky!!! A lot of kids today are being raised by their grandparents. Those wonderful folks can't always break the rules... xoxo
Jan love your story ❤️you were so lucky having your grandparents in your life.The only thing I remember about my grandma on my mums side was brushing her long hair (she always kept up in a bun) and cleaning a silver teapot and I got sixpence for doing that.I was only about 5yrs when she died.Didn’t know my other grandparents.I have 5 grandchildren and I spend lots of time with them.They think I’m a cool Nana 😂🤗 always doing crazy things with them and getting into trouble by my daughters 😂🤣
Yes, at one time when I was really little I had 6 grandparents (including great grandparents) alive. Your memories with your one grandma are precious & priceless. I bet you are a wonderful grandmother. Crazy NaNas are the best! xoxo
Jan, I only knew one of my grandparents, on my mom’s side. I don’t remember much as we didn’t see her very often, she was a wonderful quilter and had silver utensils that I had to polish!
With my own grandchildren, I have tried to make many special memories with each of them. I just spent the last 6 days with my 9 and 7 year olds, we played games, did puzzles, laughed together and I watched one play soccer and the other wrestle. My granddaughter enjoyed taking special photos of sunrise and sunset...she loved it. My grandchildren are a blessing in my life and bring me so much joy!
Linda -- your mention of the silver utensils reminded me that I have my grandma's silverware stored away somewhere. I'm sure it's pretty black by now; I haven't polished it in years. I'm glad you are blessed spending time with your grandkids. I'm sure they will remember all the fun you are having. Keep on creating joy... xoxo
My grandparents lived on N. Sandusky Ave. in Upper, and whenever my sisters and I went to visit, there would be little Tootsie Rolls growing in their garden. My grandfather was the only person that I knew that could grow Tootsie Rolls!. When I was a little older, I would mow their yard, and afterwards, my grandfather and I would go to the Dairy Snack for a hot fudge sundae Such precious memories!.
Love, love the tootsie roll story, Marie! I’ve got to check out your grandparents’ old address someday. Ha ha! Mike’s ice cream is still the best. Xoxo
Your grandchildren must be so happy to have you as a grandmother. I didn't enjoy my grandparents very much and I don't have grandchildren, but I can say that my son is lucky to have both of his grandmothers and I love the relationship he has with them.
My grandfather or “pappaul” as I called him loved the Washington Redskins! I often remember visiting him and just being able to spend that time with him during the game brings about a smile!
I never met my dad's parents and my maternal grandparents seemed old. Well they were 73 and 74 when I was born. Of course, the older I get that doesn't seem so old. I do tend believe that we are not as "old" as the grandparents of generations ago. My grandparents used a walker and a cane in most of my memories. I have one memory of my grandpa driving over to our house but other than that all my memories are of them being more sedentary. I remember my grandma playing dominoes with me and other games.
What made me laugh out loud was picturing you running from the cops regarding the sign for your granddaughter. I am married to a MI fan so I get the OSU vs MI thing. I also grew up on 121 so I have this picture in my head of you being down by Susie Shumaker's old house running from the law. LOL
Ha Ha! Stoney was running; I was in a stand-off with Neil Riedlinger -- very close to Shumakers' house. lol Hey, let's do the Steer Barn again some Thursday night this summer. Miss you! xoxo
I only had one living grandma and I spent a lot of time with her. She taught me to read when I was 5 so we read together a lot. We also played about a million rounds of "Sorry", the board game. I have all my four grandkids close by and I have had "Grandma Fridays" with all of them till they got old enough to go to school. We also love to take each of them on their own camping trip every summer. Being a grandparent is one of life's great gifts for me! Watching your babies raise their babies is all the fun and very little of the responsibility. What a joy!
Oh yes, I envy you your "Grandma Fridays." Hannah is planning her wedding now. It may be in California in '25 since they live in there. I told her I was definitely up for a destination wedding. Ha! I don't know how many games of Canasta I played with my grandparents. (with a few games of Monopoly & Tripoli thrown in) What memories we have! xoxo
The first thought came to mind about my grandmother was her apron. Never saw her without it. One of things she did with her apron was gather eggs in it. Big breakfast Pa (grandfather) would make the biscuits , mamaw would fry the ham, make gravy. Sitting on their porch in the evening. Great memories.
Great memories, Susie! I can still see my NaNa in her apron as she fried up the perch we caught -- the grease sizzling in the big iron skillet. Thanks for sharing such a warm memory on this cold morning. Brrrrr! {{Hugs}}
Hi Jan, nice piece. Since I have no children I can't identify with this as a grandparent but I can as a grandchild. I loved spending time with my grandparents. My maternal grandfather spoiled me, taking me on vacation trips to Miami Beach, fishing on one of the many lakes around Chelsea, MI and stopping at Howard Johnson's for lunch on the way home. My most favorite memory is sitting on his lap & watching Perry Mason.
Juliann ~ did I already tell you my daughter lives in Chelsea, Michigan? My granddaughters graduated from CHS. They do have wonderful lakes around there. It sounds as if you had wonderful grandparents. Thanks for sharing!!! xoxo
OMG you are right about the beautiful old homes -- and they take such great care of them. Did you know the actor Jeff Daniels actually lives in Chelsea? He owns the Purple Rose -- their community theater.
Jan, what a grand story. You always capture my attention when I read your stories. I had the best grandparents, I was totally spoiled because I was the first. I lost my grandfather when I was 20. I had my grandmother until she was almost 100 years young. She got to see my children and help raise them with all the love that she gave me. She was in such good health, could still drive at 98. There are so many fun things that I loved, but the most cherished one is, just laying on the bed with her like two silly girls, laughing and joking and hearing all about her life in the olden days. I was her caretaker and helped her until her last day. She passed 2 weeks before turning a century old. She outlived both of her boys, all her friends, and was so ready to go home...if you know what I mean. Usually we did just lay around and giggle, oh the tales she would tell. Her mind was sharp as a tack, and boy was she hip! There isn't anything or any topic we wouldn't speak about. I will forever remember her love for me, a tiny petite lady with blue eyes named Alamae...I called her Mumpsey.
Thanks,Elise! The relationship you had with your grandmother was amazing!!! Not too many people experience that much unconditional love. You have to miss that.
Do you still feel her presence? Thanks for sharing. It warmed my heart. xoxo
Thank you Jan. I do feel her! She taught me so much. I boohooed the whole time I responded to your story. I could write a book about her.
Consider it! The Amazon self-publishing program (kdp) Makes it easy ~ and no money needed upfront.
She’ll probably help you! Xoxo
The one thing I remember about my grandparents was that they would always make my brother, me and all our cousins laugh and they loved a party. My one grandpa (mom's dad) would always goof around which made my nan roll her eyes. They all treated us equally, no favourites. Miss those good times.
Yes my mom and dad always break the rules with my son. He gets away with murder.. Even now. 🤣
Anna ~ you sound like you had grandparents I'd love. And your son is lucky!!! A lot of kids today are being raised by their grandparents. Those wonderful folks can't always break the rules... xoxo
Jan love your story ❤️you were so lucky having your grandparents in your life.The only thing I remember about my grandma on my mums side was brushing her long hair (she always kept up in a bun) and cleaning a silver teapot and I got sixpence for doing that.I was only about 5yrs when she died.Didn’t know my other grandparents.I have 5 grandchildren and I spend lots of time with them.They think I’m a cool Nana 😂🤗 always doing crazy things with them and getting into trouble by my daughters 😂🤣
Yes, at one time when I was really little I had 6 grandparents (including great grandparents) alive. Your memories with your one grandma are precious & priceless. I bet you are a wonderful grandmother. Crazy NaNas are the best! xoxo
🥰
Jan, I only knew one of my grandparents, on my mom’s side. I don’t remember much as we didn’t see her very often, she was a wonderful quilter and had silver utensils that I had to polish!
With my own grandchildren, I have tried to make many special memories with each of them. I just spent the last 6 days with my 9 and 7 year olds, we played games, did puzzles, laughed together and I watched one play soccer and the other wrestle. My granddaughter enjoyed taking special photos of sunrise and sunset...she loved it. My grandchildren are a blessing in my life and bring me so much joy!
Linda -- your mention of the silver utensils reminded me that I have my grandma's silverware stored away somewhere. I'm sure it's pretty black by now; I haven't polished it in years. I'm glad you are blessed spending time with your grandkids. I'm sure they will remember all the fun you are having. Keep on creating joy... xoxo
Lllllove the photo! Says it all.
They feel safe, valued and loved.
❤️
Thank you, Deborah!!! xoxo
My grandparents lived on N. Sandusky Ave. in Upper, and whenever my sisters and I went to visit, there would be little Tootsie Rolls growing in their garden. My grandfather was the only person that I knew that could grow Tootsie Rolls!. When I was a little older, I would mow their yard, and afterwards, my grandfather and I would go to the Dairy Snack for a hot fudge sundae Such precious memories!.
Love, love the tootsie roll story, Marie! I’ve got to check out your grandparents’ old address someday. Ha ha! Mike’s ice cream is still the best. Xoxo
Your grandchildren must be so happy to have you as a grandmother. I didn't enjoy my grandparents very much and I don't have grandchildren, but I can say that my son is lucky to have both of his grandmothers and I love the relationship he has with them.
Oh, I hope so, Elizabeth, but I’m not sure yet?! Happy for your sons! xoxo
My grandfather or “pappaul” as I called him loved the Washington Redskins! I often remember visiting him and just being able to spend that time with him during the game brings about a smile!
Anne -- you are right! Those quiet moments with grandpas are really memorable. Xoxo
I never met my dad's parents and my maternal grandparents seemed old. Well they were 73 and 74 when I was born. Of course, the older I get that doesn't seem so old. I do tend believe that we are not as "old" as the grandparents of generations ago. My grandparents used a walker and a cane in most of my memories. I have one memory of my grandpa driving over to our house but other than that all my memories are of them being more sedentary. I remember my grandma playing dominoes with me and other games.
What made me laugh out loud was picturing you running from the cops regarding the sign for your granddaughter. I am married to a MI fan so I get the OSU vs MI thing. I also grew up on 121 so I have this picture in my head of you being down by Susie Shumaker's old house running from the law. LOL
Ha Ha! Stoney was running; I was in a stand-off with Neil Riedlinger -- very close to Shumakers' house. lol Hey, let's do the Steer Barn again some Thursday night this summer. Miss you! xoxo
I only had one living grandma and I spent a lot of time with her. She taught me to read when I was 5 so we read together a lot. We also played about a million rounds of "Sorry", the board game. I have all my four grandkids close by and I have had "Grandma Fridays" with all of them till they got old enough to go to school. We also love to take each of them on their own camping trip every summer. Being a grandparent is one of life's great gifts for me! Watching your babies raise their babies is all the fun and very little of the responsibility. What a joy!
Oh yes, I envy you your "Grandma Fridays." Hannah is planning her wedding now. It may be in California in '25 since they live in there. I told her I was definitely up for a destination wedding. Ha! I don't know how many games of Canasta I played with my grandparents. (with a few games of Monopoly & Tripoli thrown in) What memories we have! xoxo
The first thought came to mind about my grandmother was her apron. Never saw her without it. One of things she did with her apron was gather eggs in it. Big breakfast Pa (grandfather) would make the biscuits , mamaw would fry the ham, make gravy. Sitting on their porch in the evening. Great memories.
Great memories, Susie! I can still see my NaNa in her apron as she fried up the perch we caught -- the grease sizzling in the big iron skillet. Thanks for sharing such a warm memory on this cold morning. Brrrrr! {{Hugs}}
Hi Jan, nice piece. Since I have no children I can't identify with this as a grandparent but I can as a grandchild. I loved spending time with my grandparents. My maternal grandfather spoiled me, taking me on vacation trips to Miami Beach, fishing on one of the many lakes around Chelsea, MI and stopping at Howard Johnson's for lunch on the way home. My most favorite memory is sitting on his lap & watching Perry Mason.
😅💜
Juliann ~ did I already tell you my daughter lives in Chelsea, Michigan? My granddaughters graduated from CHS. They do have wonderful lakes around there. It sounds as if you had wonderful grandparents. Thanks for sharing!!! xoxo
No you had not. What a small world. My grandfather was from around those parts. They have great old homes too. Haven't been there since I was a kid.
OMG you are right about the beautiful old homes -- and they take such great care of them. Did you know the actor Jeff Daniels actually lives in Chelsea? He owns the Purple Rose -- their community theater.