From these two amazing humans, I have learned core values that I will carry with me through life. On summer nights when I sit down on the porch and talk to them, I learn more than I would in a classroom. I have learned on my own how blessed I am to have them and I realized that I can't live without them.
1. Family will always have your back.
When you know what hits the fan, family will be there. During my biggest bump in life as a teen, my grandparents helped. When I felt so alone, my grandma and grandpa told me I am apart of a family, so I am never alone.
2. There is nothing like Grandma's home cooking.
My grandma makes the best soup. When I am sick, I want nothing more then grandma's chicken and dumpling soup. During Thanksgiving, grandma's 5 pound apple pie is a fan favorite. My grandma has taught me how to bake the sweetest cookies, however, I am still learning.
3. Nothing worth having comes free.
My grandpa and my dad, along with his friends, built their house. My grandpa made my dad work to build a nice house and life. After seeing that, I realized the importance of hard work.
4. A mother's job is never done.
My grandma raised me because of some unfortunate circumstances while my dad worked to provide. Long after her job as a mom was done, she opened her arms to me and raised me. I have so many of her beautiful personalities laced in me. I am so much like her because of how much time I spent with her. I feel a motherly love with her because of all she has done.
5. The best things in life are free.
I have learned to appreciate the fresh air and sunshine. I enjoy giggles on a porch with my family more then some expensive trip. I have learned just sitting and talking can create so many memories.
6. Sweet tea goes with everything.
Nothing says love and happiness like grandma's sweet tea.
7. No one will love you like your family.
It is as simple as that. You will never find a love deeper than the love a parent gives a child, or a grandparent gives to their grand kids. The love is truly priceless.
8. Always give to others.
My grandma gives to about every charity for kids with cancer or for soldiers. She does it without complaint and so effortlessly.
9. Stand up for what you believe in.
My grandparents have always had an opinion everything. They always instilled in me that if you have something to say, say it. When I ran into a situation about standing up for whats right or saying nothing to please others, my grandparents told me that what is right is not always popular. I said what I felt was right and I do not regret it for one second.
10. When you don't know what to do, pray.
When life hands you lemons, pray and ask God to help you make lemonade. They have taught me that God has a greater plan in mind, just pray to him and ask.
11. You are stronger than you know.
Again, it is so simple. Everything you need is with in you. Whether it was school, sports or life, she told me to keep my head up. A phrase everyone said, but coming from her, it meant more.
12. Loyalty.
My grandpa is not a feelings person, or at least he does not show it. However, he has shown me that we are family and family sticks by each other. He would never turn one of us away, but if we betrayed the family, that was something unforgivable. If someone has hurt one of us, they hurt all of us.
Grandparents are truly a blessing from God. They tell us stories, share their wisdom and give us love. My grandma will always be a saint to me, I hope to be half the woman she is some day. My grandpa and I don't talk feelings but we have this amazing and unsaid bond. My dad was the first man I loved, then my grandpa. I am so truly blessed to be so close to my grandparents and I would not have it any other way. I am the woman I am today because of my grandparents.
I love you Grandma Sharon and Paw-paw Gene!
