My Stories VII

My Stories, Part VII


On Tuesdays I'm answering questions from My Mom. Her Stories. Her Words.


Today's Question


Mom, who were some of your favorite relatives, and what made them special?


Sometimes these questions are really hard to answer.  I can think of a bunch of relatives there were special in my life.  Each person that comes into our life makes an impact, sometimes good, sometimes bad.

Grandparents

I was blessed to have both sets of grandparents and one set of great-grandparents be in my life for a long time.  It was also a blessing to be the first grandchild and great-grandchild.  I was only spoiled a little bit.

My G&G B, were my mom's parents and lived very close to us.  My Grandpa B, took me on lots of adventures, the park, deli, and lots of walks.  Some special things we did were make cement, ice cream and pies.  Grandpa was very handy and loved to build stuff and improve stuff.  He would call my mom and ask if I could come over to help make cement and then he would let me put my initials in the wet cement.  He loved to make homemade ice cream and pies too.  One thing I'll always remember was him telling me I'd be a better house painter if I ate more spaghetti.  I was probably 4 at the time and we were painting my parents house.  I asked my Grandma once why he would have said that, and she didn't know.

Another special thing he did was give me his last car.  He maintained it for 2 years after he stopped driving so I could have it when I turned 16.  I drove that car for 8 years and was very thankful for that wonderful gift.

Grandma B would tell me stories about Nebraska and cold winters.  She made me doll clothes and when I was older we watched Mariner games together.  Grandma knew all the players and kept up with their ranking too.  The year the Marinier's won 116 games, I went over almost everyday to watch the games with her.

Grandma was also my hero, she was a pastor's wife for over 50 years and helped me realized that I could support my husband in ministry.  I also get my love of order and neatness from her too.

My G&G H, were my dad's parents and moved across the sound to be closer to us.  I didn't see them as often but still at least twice a month.  My Grandpa H was a man of few words but when I graduated from high school he sent me an email telling me how proud he was of me and that my dad had done a good job raising me.

Grandma H was a sewer/crafter/knitter/crocheter and did so many things well.  I think she's the reason I'm always ready to try something new, even if I'm not sure it's for me.  She was very empowering too. I think my Aunt said it best that Grandma knew that girls could do things just as good as boys including math.

Great-Grandparents

I don't remember my Great-Grandfather too much, but from the stories I've heard, I'm proud to call him my Great-Grandpa.  I think I get some of my sense of style from my Great-Grandma.  I about 7 pieces of her furniture and I picked the same china pattern when I got married.  She was a very classic women, who didn't even wear pants until they lived in Sitka, Alaska.  They loved to travel too and saw quite a bit of the world.  I think my sister got that 'cause I prefer to stay home.

Aunts, Uncles and Cousins

I only have two Aunts and one Uncle but they are great and have been a special part of my life.

All of my cousins are extended family and there are too many great ones to mention.

I love all my family and they have all been an amazing influence in my life

Next Week's Question:  Mom, what's your favorite memory of your mom? Your dad?