I have been thinking a lot about my Grandparents lately. I'm not sure exactly why, but I just know that I stand in amazement of them and their unique talents and qualities, and testimony's. I find those same qualities in my parents and hope I can be half the person those before me are. I was going through Joanne Fabrics a couple days ago and found those plastic yarn grids that my Grandma Bleazard use to use. I remember going to her house and sitting by her chair watching her fingers work so fast making these beautiful things. I would ask her what she was making and who they were for. Hoping she would say they were for me. She would gently reply for a birthday, or a lady in my ward, or a friend I know that needs some cheering up. Those selfish thoughts would go away immediately thinking of those people that could use something like this more than me. I would find myself staring at all the beautiful colors of yarn. I think she knew what was going on in my mind and in she would reach and find a small ball of yarn and some scraps of the grids and let me create and imagine away. When I got older, she would have me sit on her lap and she would show me how to crochet. I thought that was the best thing ever! She would make afghans that were long, beautiful, warm. I love to snuggle in them and watch a movie with them while eating popcorn looking up at the ceiling with the silver sparkles that looked like stars! She was an amazing cook and such a comfort! I would sit on her lap during the 4th of July fireworks that would be outside the kitchen window because I was so afraid. She would hold me close and I can still to this day remember how her arms felt around me holding me close and I could smell her perfume and just feel at ease. This is like something that she would make. I only mention a few of her many qualities I adore about her.
Grandma Hallmark was like a whirlwind of getting things done. There was never a dirty room, window or closet. She would press her sheets and the beds would be made to perfection. Her home always smelled of things she was canning or cooking for dinner. She was the worlds best multitasker ever! She would have so many things going on that I could sit at her table and color and watch her fly around. And she would always have such a good attitude about it. She loved her home, she loved welcoming others into her home and made each person feel so special. Some of my most cherished moments were trying to sneak sweet pickles from the 5 gallon buckets that were pickling. I loved getting suckers from the cupboard. Her dried fruit was the best I have ever had, even to this day. I loved running through the sheets in the back yard. Smelling that clean fresh cotton is still one of my favorite smells. I would spend the night with her and felt so special that I could stay with her. She would tuck me into a perfectly made bed and I would lay there and just smell the sheets as I lay in the most comfortable cocoon! She would sing me a song and help me pray and I can still hear her gentle voice. I loved helping her pick things in her garden. Oh her garden was amazing! I don't think there was ever a weed that ever had a chance to even come up before she was plucking it from the ground. She would open her home so others could enjoy the blessings of going to the temple by letting them stay there since they had to travel many miles. I loved to help her get the rooms ready and welcome them there. I still remember her telling me, "Loralee, you be polite and on your best behaviour. Make sure you don't make lots of noise. Run along and play like a good girl." I loved all the many trinkets that she would pack away. She loved Avon and I loved all the shades of red nail polish in her bathroom. She always had her toes painted. Ice cream at her house was the best. I wish I could find those ice cream bowls from so long ago. I have so many fond memories they are just spilling in my mind and overflowing my heart with longing to see them and wrap my arms around them and Thank them for the many things they taught me. Mostly love and patience and always open arms no matter what. They were always delighted to see us. Here is something like what she would make. Her jars were much more beautiful!
I am sad that my children are missing the time and memories like I had growing up and being close to grandparents. I miss our families so very much my heart aches! I hope the times we are together have a lasting impact on my children as my grandparents had on me. I will have to write about my Grandfathers and the hero's they are in my life as well. If you have Grandparents that are still alive, sit and listen and cherish every moment. Soak up every opportunity to learn from them that you can!! Love EVERY Moment!! My arms reach up Grandmothers and I am holding you very close to my heart! I will have to post pictures of these amazing women when I find them and scan them into the computer.
