It’s a photograph that hangs over my work desk that I glance at daily.
My grandmother was seated on her concrete lawn furniture with her right arm wrapped around my lace-clad waist. I was in my brand new Easter dress that she had just finished making a few alterations on that very morning.
My grandfather was standing beside my grandmother, complete in his denim overalls. His chest pocket held a gold-plated pocket watch, with a bald eagle imprinted on it. He wore a camouflage hat, with a pipe in his left hand.
They were my Maw Maw and Paw Paw.
And they were my heart.
My grandparents are no longer with us. But it’s almost like I feel they are still around me.
I catch myself wanting to pick up the phone to give them a ring. I still remembered the phone number...“587-4659,” I whispered as I smiled up at the dusty photograph.
I took the frame down and gave it a much needed dusting. And I continued to smile as I thought about my Maw Maw and Paw Paw.
My Maw Maw and Paw Paw both had supporting roles in the years that I was blessed to have known them. I cherished every moment that I had with them.
They were survivors of the Great Depression. They lived in shotgun houses with more air drafts than wooden boards.
They were hard workers, picking cotton and harvesting hogs with their innocent hands of youth. By the time they matured into adults, their hands showed the signs of hard labor.
They were both part of large families. Maw Maw was the oldest of five children. Paw Paw was the eldest boy of nine siblings.
They took care of their brothers and sisters. Defended them when they needed it, and reminded them who was boss from time to time.
They respected their parents. Feared yet loved them at the same time.
They were a tough breed, with a soft strand.
And then the two married on a hot summer June day. A baseball game and a few visits surrounded by family sparked their affection for each other.
A preacher’s words, quick kiss and a honeymoon to see “Gone With the Wind” sealed the bond between the two.
They had six children, and buried three before they reached adulthood.
They lived through wars, hard times and making ends meet. But they stuck it out, and their children never went without anything.
And then they watched their three daughters get married, having children of their own.
Pretty soon, they welcomed five grandchildren.
I like to think I was their favorite grandchild, but don’t tell the others.
Maw Maw and Paw Paw saw me for who I truly was. It was as if they saw my gifts and knew what I would become.
They spoiled me, protected me and pushed me when I needed a good shove.
Their wrinkled hands led me down the right path from time to time. Those same hands corrected me when was wrong, comforted me when I was sick and held me when I needed love.
They never failed me. And they gave me a life of cherished memories.
I am forever grateful for the lessons they taught me during our short time together on this earth. They helped mold and shape me. They taught me courage, respect and strength.
They gave me laughter, wit and happiness.
They gave me stubbornness, loyalty and strong will.
They gave me the opportunity to know two of the most unique, special people in the world.
They gave themselves to me, each and every day.
As I placed my photograph back upon my shelf, I gave it a quick smile. I think I may have even winked at it.
I hope to make more memories with you again one day.
