Grandma

Grandma Ollie

I’ve been thinking about Grandma Ollie a lot lately. I miss her so much. She was a dear sweet woman who loved the Lord. She prayed a lot. She lived by prayer and she read her Bible. When I say she loved the Lord, she really did love the Lord. That made such an impression on me when I was young, to see someone who truly loved God.

I found this fabric that reminded me of Grandma. I thought of the hankies that I used to buy for her because she always carried a hanky wherever she went. And I thought of the “house dresses” she wore, simple fabrics. Back in her day, women wore long dresses, not pants. I have a memory of Grandma planting her garden wearing a dress. I don’t remember ever seeing Grandma wear pants.

fabric 1

fabric 3

fabric 2

When I was very young, Grandma had long hair which she wound up in a bun on the back of her head. When she got old, she finally cut her white hair short because it was easier to take care of. I once asked my mom what color was Grandma’s hair when she was young but she said she only remembered it ever being gray and then white.

Ollie Cross in recliner  Ollie Cross in wheel chair

Those little details we don’t remember and then before you know it, all the older folks are gone and there’s no one to ask, or no one remembers the answers. Like how tall was she or he? What color were her or his eyes? Did they get to go to school? Did they know how to read? Did they read the Bible and pray regularly? What church did they go to? Did they drive a car? Did they play a musical instrument or sing? Did they ever travel far from home? Did he serve in the military or fight in a war? I wish I’d thought to get this info on my grand parents and great-grandparents, when I was young.

Grandma loved to play dominoes. I remember when I was 12 I went to visit Grandma with an aunt and two cousins and we would play dominoes for hours. Back then there wasn’t all that much to watch on TV. I don’t even remember if Grandma had a TV then. People don’t do that any more, sit around playing games together. I’m glad I have those memories of spending time with my family.

I encourage all families to make those kinds of memories of spending time with family. Turn off all the electronic devices and get the cards or dominoes or board game out and spend a few hours together. Invest in each other’s lives. When you are old, you can remember back to joyful times you had with your loved ones. Two of the most precious things we have, time and family.

Love,

Karen

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