When I was growing up, we always visited my maternal grandparents. They did not have a lot of material things or formal education, but they made their way through life with perseverance and hard work. My grandfather had a host of health problems and my grandmother did as well. However, I don't ever remember hearing either of them complain. They enjoyed the little things (which to them were big things), like fishing, baking, going out to look at deer, and visiting with family. Red Oak, Iowa was my favorite place to go growing up and I believe that my brother and sister felt the same. It was a place where we did not have to be anything but ourselves. It was a small house, but the treasures inside were immense. It was never as "clean" as our house at home, but it was comfortable and certainly outside appearances were the last thing on anyone's mind.
Fast forward about 40 years to my own home. I am now in my 50's and although I have no married children or grandchildren, I had an "aha" moment while looking around my home. I have been blessed with a large home, an education and good health. However, I want my home to be just like my grandparents. I know when my daughter came home for a visit with her boyfriend she did not quite think our house met up with her cleanliness standards, but I also noticed that they both felt comfortable lounging on the couch and helping themselves in the kitchen without feeling uncomfortable. This is what I want to replicate. It would be nice to be thought of as an organized mother with a beautiful and well-kept home and sometimes I get rather down on myself for not being on top of things all the time. Then I recall the warmth, and the acceptance of my grandparents, who spent less time worrying about their surroundings and more time focusing on their relationships. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for once more extending your love and acceptance to me from beyond the grave.
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| My Grandparents with all their grandkids |
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| My grandparents with my brother |
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| The Abraham family (the little girl is my mom) |
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