Closest to me are my Norton grandparents (my dad's side). They lived in Logan, Utah, during all of my growing up years, and I loved to go visit them. They had a huge garden in back of their place, and they had all sorts of produce growing out there. I would go outside and eat raspberries and green peas right off the plants. To this day, those tastes bring back hoardes of good memories.
My grandmother grew hollyhocks, and she taught me how to make hollyhock dolls. I'd come home with three or four per summertime visit, but they never lasted as long as I thought they should.
As I look back, my grandparents were really quite ordinary. They didn't take me to expensive stores, we didn't go to amusement parks together, they didn't buy me scads of toys -- but what they did was so much more important. They loved and supported me. They were always there. Sometimes I think grandparents (and parents) today worry too much if they're giving enough to the children in their lives. They shouldn't worry about that at all -- just give your love. That's what will be remembered.
My grandpa passed away over twenty years ago and for my grandma it's been eight. To this day, when I think about them, I can feel their love and influence in my life and I know they're watching over me. Our guardian angels aren't giant winged creatures in shiny white nightgowns -- they are our own loved ones who have gone on before, who still love and care about us. Of this I'm sure.
6 comments:
What wonderful memories Tristi. Thank you for sharing. I think the ordinary people who earn our affection through small and simple things are the most special.
Tristi,
What you've said is so true.
Blessed are those who have loving grandparents and fond memories of time spent with them.
So true, so true. I know my grandparents are on the other side of the veil watching over me too. Neat how that works, isn't it? Your description of raspberries and hollyhocks brought back wonderful memories. Thank you!
You are so right, Tristi. My Daddy passed away when I was only four and my grandma used to say "That is the most undead man I've ever known!" He was never far away.
Great post. I know that my Grandpa Johnson is my own personal guardian angel. Its odd, because I didn't know him well as an adult. He died the same night that I lost a baby early in my second trimester (this was in 2003), and since then I feel his presence often. A few weeks ago, when I was completely stressing about the move he came to me in a dream, asked how I was doing, and said that I've been too stressed & to take it easy.
I know some strings were pulled on the other side to make things go smoothly. Answers to prayer, yes, but I also believe Grandpa helped!
I completely agree with your statements about guardian angels, our memories of our loved ones help to make us the people we are today.
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