Memories & Heritage

When I was a child I looked forward to visiting my grandparents; and especially to sleep-overs! I have many wonderful memories of riding in my grandpa's car on the way to their house in the country for a sleep-over (they lived in the country about six miles from my home in a small, "Norman Rockwell-town"). My grandpa always asked me to sing my Sunday school songs in the car on the way to his house . . . and I sang them at the top of my lungs! (It always embarrassed my older sister when I sang in Sunday school, but my grandpa loved to hear me sing - which amazed and delighted me!)

I remember the aroma of fresh-baked bread in my grandma's kitchen . . . and being given a fresh-from-the-oven slice of bread with Peter Pan Peanut butter on it . . . is there possibly a better, or tastier treat???!!!

I remember my grandpa always had a smile on his face and was quick to laugh - or sing a silly song - and my grandma was sensible, sweet, and oh, so filled with love!

And, now, I live in the same house they lived in when I was little! Now my grands come to my home for sleep-overs! We sing, dance, and laugh, a lot! I bake bread - and cookies, of course, and my grands know their grandma and poppa love them with every bit of love a person can possibly love another person!

Heritage. For me it is as close as my kitchen; as close as my house. I see and remember my grandparents in this house where I now live; my grandparents had it built, my dad was born in this house - it is part of my heritage - and part of my grands' heritage as well. (And my mom - my grandchildrens' great-grandma - lives across the street! When my grands and I talked about how they are able to know their great-grandma, they said; "We are very lucky and blessed, because not all children know their great-grandma!" They are so right!)

But heritage is more than a house; more than sweet memories. It is also about leaving a legacy of love for our children and grandchildren - and if we are so blessed, our great-grandchildren. Regardless of where you live, living so the children in your life know they are dearly loved - no matter what - is something which will remain with them - throughout their lives.

How old are your grandchildren and what are you doing to leave a heritage - a legacy of love for them?

(This photo is one of my grandma and my dad at a birthday party for him in front of their house - which has been my house for more than 30 years!)