In recent months, not sure if it's the aging thing or not. But I have found my-self reflecting back to yesteryear. It a time when no real worries existed. And time seemed to pass slowly. Enjoying being a kid. Hanging out my cousins, riding horses, bicycles, swimming, fishing, and spending time on my grandparents small farm.
Life then seemed so much simpler, but yet so rewarding. I spent most of my young life living with my grandparents. And learned a lot about the value of hard work and the rewards that it would bring. Not just in the form of money, but in the form of self-esteem, happiness, valuing your life, and determination to succeed at what was most important.
Life in their time was much different than it is today. And learning what hardwork was, was very normal. And that rubbed off. I spent many of mornings getting up at 3 am to go with my grandpa to milk cows at the local dairy he worked at (my grandpa was a milk man most of my life). Some of my fondest memories were standing beside him while he would teach me how to milk a cow (sometimes by hand, but mostly by machine). Learning to care for animals at a very young age, helped to creat my work ethic. Learning that hard work like shoveling out the barn, bucking hay on a hot summer night, and getting up before dawn to feed, because someone else depended on me, helped make me who I am today.
Some of my other fond memories of growing up. Was going fishing with my grandparents. It didn't seem to matter what time we would get to the lake or river. But we would stay until way after dark. Then we would go home and cook the catch of the day, and it didn't even matter if it was midnight. I am a grandpa's girl. I was the first born grandchild (of so many I have lost count). So I spent a lot of time with them. I can remember going with my grandpa on his milk route, traveling with him to places like Arkansas to visit family when I was very young. There are even pics of my laying on his chest while sleeping in his recliner when I was sick. Picking veggies out of the garden, going to the sale barn just to see what we could bring home. Him teaching me to drive in his old green truck. Going to garage sales and thrift stores with my grandma (which I still do to this day). Learning to cook, I started cooking when I was very, very young. Making cakes, kool-aid, anything I could stir while sitting on the kitchen floor. And to this day I still love to cook.
I owe a lot to my grandparents for teaching me to want more than just settling. I know most all children love their grandparents, but mine are more than grandparents. My granny and grandpa mean the world to me. And one day when they are no longer with me on earth. They will forever be in my heart and memories. That special place that they will never be forgotten. I do hope that is still very far away. But one thing life has taught me is that you just never know what tomorrow holds. And you should enjoy each day. Tell the ones you love that you love them. And cherish the momories you have, even after new ones can no longer be made.
I love you Granny and Grandpa. Thank you for helping me become the strong woman I am today!!
