content='index,follow' name='robots'/> Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom: That Special Someone

Friday, January 4, 2008

That Special Someone

Who in your life was the most influential? Sometimes it’s a member of the family – sometimes it just a best friend. But, whoever it is, they have made the most impression in your life and even today you can think back on them and have warm feelings.

The one who was the most impressionable for me was my grandmother. She had a presence about her that was warm and welcoming. I can remember, when I was younger, teaching her how to add zip codes to an address or how to look up a number to dial on the telephone. Before, their phone did not have a rotary dial and you just picked it up and asked the operator to connect you to who you wanted to talk to. I know it sounds like I’m talking about the Dark Ages but this was only in the late 50’s early 60’s. It was a small town in Virginia and they were not privy to the latest technologies. Grandma only went through the 2nd grade but she could write cursive and add and read. Grandpop on the other hand couldn’t read or write – well, he was taught to write his name but that was all he could write. Whatever they lacked in an opportunity for an education they made up for in values, integrity, work ethic, love and compassion and passed it onto us.

What I loved most about my grandmother was how comfortable she was with herself and because of this you felt accepted and comfortable too. She allowed you to be yourself and she honored it. She didn’t try to change you. When we would talk, I would feel like we talked from soul to soul and genuinely connected. She was the type of person that because she loved you in such a pure way, you never wanted to disappoint her.

In addition to being religious, Grandma was psychic which made for some interesting events. One night after we went to bed my cousin in one of the connecting bedrooms said she heard a clock ticking. It sounded like it was in the wall just above her head. Grandma came in and listened and checked all around the room including under the bed. She went into her bedroom to look out to see if a car was parked with the engine running but no car and no clock. Then, she made one of her usual declarations, when things were just a little out of the ordinary, saying, “Someone is going to die.” Well, again, sure enough we got a phone call early in the morning that someone in the family had passed away. Grandma had a connection and an understanding of those loved ones on the other side. She was quite comfortable with it even though it freaked the rest of us out. Through all these times when things happened that we didn’t understand, she was patient and loving giving us a different view beyond the world of sight. She helped me to see a deeper side of my faith in God and spirituality that may have taken me a long time to accept and for that I am thankful.

Who is that special someone that most impressed you? How have they contributed to who you are today? Are they still alive and can you still get in touch with them and, if not, their memory will always keep their presence fresh by your side as if they never left.

I love you Grandma, wherever you are today! Thank you for influencing my life and being a big part of who I am today!

From the kitchen table - Pat
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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

THANKS for participating in the Carnival of Family Life, hosted this week by Karen at Write from Karen!

The Carnival will be live on Monday, January 14, 2008, so be sure to stop by and peruse all the excellent submissions included this week!

Considered hosting the Carnival? Stop by Colloquium, check out the schedule and drop me a note, telling me which week you are interested in hosting!

Pat said...

JHS - thanks for your comments and I'll be looking forward to the Carnival coming out. Not sure what's involved in hosting but I'll check it out.

Patricia Singleton said...

I too have a Grandmother that was very influencial in my life. She gaves me the values that I live my life by. She was a special lady.

CG Walters said...

Thank you, Pat, for sharing your Grandma. She sounds like a remarkable spirit.
Peace and wonder to you and all you hold dear,
CG

Pat said...

CG - Thank you for your comment. Yes, my grandmother was one of those wise souls and I miss her but know she's with me in spirit. I'm sure you've had someone like that cross your path in life.

Pat said...

Patricia - you know then what a special gift it is to have a grandmother that shows you how to love. Because of her I am who I am today. I'm glad you've had this same type of relationship. There's nothing like it.

Pat said...

Karen - thank you for adding this posting to your latest carnival edition Live the Power Unlimited Blog Carnival-vol 12.

Check out all the great postings at - http://www.livethepower.com/blog/420/live-the-power-unlimited-volume-12-011708/