Grandma J

When I was a kid We used to take trips to Alabama from Texas 8 hours on through the south seven kids in the old Toyota van, some of the best times of my life. But the real treat was always on the other side of the 26 mile long bridge through the swamp and the metal "singing" bridges(I think they sang Dixie), it was Grandma's house! Her house has always been a true sanctuary of love and happiness to me. The only thing you got in trouble for there was watching to much TV and that's a good thing to get scolded for anyway.



Grandma never has had a shortage of hugs to give or "sugar" (kisses and if you know grandma you know how she says it; suga) to receive. Give her five minutes and she'll have your life planned out for you, she can't help it, its always a good plan, full of productivity, and meant for the best. These days it may be a little more unrealistic but she sure does mean well.

When I was about 13 Grandma was in town, in Texas, and she came and picked me up from school. We needed gas so we pulled into this station with a service center, grandma J told me it was high time I go a job and started working towards financial independence and I should get a job at the service station. I said ok knowing that I was too young and they wouldn't hire me. After the fuel was pumped she went to pay and a few minutes later she walked out and got in the car, she turned to me and said, "That man says if you come talk to him, he can find you some work around the shop." I was 13 and embarrassed and didn't go back but that just shows how grandma J is fearless and always attempting to help solve problems and help people grow.



A few times growing up I got to spend a month at grandma's house in the summer with a sibling. These times were great full of hard work, family history stories, trips to Brewton, watermelon, the beach, early mornings with grandpa on the patio, cheering for the braves, eating burnt bacon,learning how to help, faithful prayers that opened the windows of Heaven, scripture studies and most of all so much love that even thinking about it brings on a refreshed warmth. Better than a blanket right out of the dryer wrapped around you so tight.



Grandma J is pretty sick right now, she had major intestinal surgery on Thursday night. The warm blanket of the Lord's mercy has been with her throughout it all I'm sure. I can't think of a more faithful and deserving woman. She is in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I pray for peace and comfort for this wonderful 85 year-old woman, she deserves it.