My mother was a nurturing woman. She was always looking out for my best interests. My mother was the one who helped me with homework. I remember her walking me to school and picking me up when I was in elementary school. When I was sick she would stay home from work with me and let me lie down in her bed. When I reached my older teenage years, I remember the advice she gave me ab out boys. She has always been there for me. She has always been there for me. I talk to my mother everyday. She is still giving me advice.
My father was always working to provide for the family. When he was home he would asks my brother and I how was school coming along. He was very adamant about us finishing school. My father nor my mother finished school. He would always tell us "I want yall to finish school, you need a good education to get a good job". That stuck with me forever. I said to myself you have to finish school, you will make your father proud. When I graduated both my parents were so proud. My father was extremely happy. This still inspires me to continue my education.
My aunt who is my father's sister had a positive impact on my life. She is a twin. She and her twin are married to brothers. We lived on the same street as her twice. We would visit her regularly. She sometimes came to our house. When we moved on the street with her the second time it was directly across the street. My brother and I would go over there and play with our cousins. While over there I always observed my aunt reading. I would ask her what she was reading and she would tell me. That inspired me to start reading. I would read all my library books and ask my mom to buy me more books to read. Today I still enjoy reading.
My grandmother lived in Georgia and we lived in Philadelphia which was about 15 hours away. We would visit her every year or every other year. When my father would tell us we are taking a trip down south my brother and I would get excited. We had other family in Georgia but we knew grandma's house meant good food. She would make us homemade pies from peaches off her tree. I would watch her roll the dough to make the crust. She would give my brother and me an entire pie. My grandmother would cook so much food. She said "those children are growing they need to eat". She did so much more but those were some touching moments for me. My grandmother is no longer with us, but she lived to be 100 years old. I do miss my grandmother and the good cooking. I can't cook homemade pies like my grandmother, but I try to cook homemade cakes. At times I enjoy cooking, especially for my grandchild.
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There's nothing like a Georgia peach :-) I believe all grandmothers in the south believe in good cooking. Our childhood webs have a few similarities. I myself am a twin who lives in Georgia and likes to bake and decorate homemade cakes when I have a free minute (never). I bet it was nice living that close to your family when you were younger. You always had someone to play with. My family has always lived, at the closest, across town. I'm not complaining because I believe this is part of the reason why my sister and I are so close.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about free time. It must be nice having a sister. I always wished for one. I love my brother but there is nothing like the sister bond. It was nice living close to family. We were really close and now they all have moved back to the south. I dont see them as much,but we do keep in touch.
DeleteBrenda, I also have found memories of my grandmother. My grandmother was from Louisiana. She knew how to throw down some steak with red gravy and dirty rice. Yummy!! I sure miss my grandmothers presence in my life. She passed away in year 2008.she was a cancer survivor for 10 years before passing from other complications. Unfortunatly, I did not inherit her great cooking but I did inherit her sweet gentle ways. Brenda, my father did graduate from college but my mother did not. My mother just as your parents encouraged me to complete school. My granmother was my biggest supporter of my education. My grandmother was 85 years old when she passed away. She lived many years to see the differences in times. She knew that inorder to survive, I needed a quality education. I owe all of my success to my grandmother. It was mainly because of her that I have the degrees that I hold today. Yes, my mother encouraged me, but my grandmother was the one living person that I did not want to disappoint if I had not gone to college. Brenda, you mentioning your grandmother really brought back some fond memories of my beloved grandmother Addie Mae Thomas. Thanks Brenda!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. It feels good to reflect on the good tomes. Our grandomothers knew how to spoil their grandkids. I wish I could have been around my grandmother more, but I am thankful for the times I had. It is nice to hear you did not dissapoint your grandmother. I know you made her proud.
DeleteBrenda!
ReplyDeleteThat was a fun post to read... I particularly loved how you used four sentences to illustrate how wonderful your dad's encouragement was by uploading a graduation day picture. That must have been one of the best days of your life.
Also, I realize the universal truth regarding grandma's cooking - it can be only the 'best' whether she is in the east or the west!! I miss my grandmother's cooking as well. I am sure your grandchild thinks great stuff about you as well...
Cheers,
Divya