Watching Their Love

“Did you really put a fish in Granny’s pocketbook?” I asked Papa.

“I did. And she picked it up to comb her hair before she realized it wasn’t her comb,” Papa chuckled.

After he shared some more of his shenanigans, he told me how much my grandmother changed his view of women. She was the first one who made him want to be a better person and have a family.

My mom often talks about her idyllic childhood and all the wonderful adventures she and her sister were able to have because of my grandpa being in the Navy. They traveled extensively through Europe and visited places most people will never see in a lifetime. After completing his college education in Iowa, the family settled in my grandpa’s small hometown in North Florida, where he opened his chiropractic office.

My mom met my dad in college. They married and had me and my brother. We too had a wonderful childhood, filled with trips, games, laughter, and fun. My parents instilled their roots of faith into all we did and taught us how to be the best versions of ourselves. Always our biggest cheerleaders, we knew they were in our corner no matter what. I know my grandparents had a big hand in that.

Watching Their Love

My grandparents are porch sitters. For over six decades, at least three to four times a day, they can be found on their porch swing with cups of coffee in hand. Sometimes they talk; other times they birdwatch. Both of my boys have been fortunate enough to join them on their porch for rides on the swing, bird watching, or their favorite: train watching.

My grandma is a phenomenal cook as well. She has made everyone’s wedding cake for twenty-five years in their small town. I remember eggs and butter sitting on the counter, cookie sheets of frosting flowers scattered all over the house, and tubes of icing everywhere. But, over the last five years, my grandma’s health has declined. During this time, she sat on her kitchen bar stool and taught Papa how to cook. She pointed, instructed, and made a fairly good cook out of him.

Within the last eight months, my grandmother transitioned to the nursing home. The reality that she may never walk again or be at home anymore makes me sad. But my papa has been so faithful in his love for my granny. My grandma’s hands aren’t what they used to be, and neither is her eyesight. He comes every morning through the early afternoon to help her with her breakfast and lunch meals. They sit together, as they used to at home, and watch Gunsmoke and all those old westerns. He’s patient, tender, and kind–always helping with anything he can.

Their circumstances have changed over the years, but their love never has. My papa is still there, doting over the woman who showed him there was more to life than what he knew. I’m sure, in his mind, he still sees the gorgeous young woman who won his heart, causing him to trade his barstool for a wedding ring. His mind is likely filled with memories from over sixty years of laughter, love, and family. And I guarantee there’s no other place he would rather be than by her side, in sickness or in health—and that’s what their love is all about.

Because of Their Love

Because of their love, we get to live. Because of their love, we have a wonderful example to follow. Because of their love, they have taught us some important lessons in life. Lessons like:

Get an education.

Find a job and work hard.

Be kind to everyone, especially those in low positions.

Earn respect from others.

Don’t spend all your money. Save it and strive for your dreams.

Believe in yourself and keep pushing hard, no matter what.

Write a poem every now and then, especially goofy ones.

Maybe even write a song that makes little sense.

Stop, sit on the porch, and drink a cup of coffee with your friends and family.

Tell jokes and laugh.

Faith in God is important. Be consistent.

Bran muffins keep you regular.

Always keep a pot of coffee hot and ready to drink.

Take care of your neighbors.

Travel while you can and gift others with remarkable experiences.

Love big. Love well. Love deep. And love till the end.

Now it’s our turn to carry the torch. It’s our turn to love big and love well. To make every moment and every day matter. To laugh, love, and live. One life of love can change the world. Let’s make sure their sacrifices were never in vain and set the bar high for the generation watching. 

Thank you, Granny and Papa, for showing me how to live and love well.

 

All graphics from Canva

© Copyright Christy Bass Adams, February 2022