The Greatest Influencers

My grandparents played a huge role in my upbringing.  One set of grandparents lived with us for years.  My Grandfather tended to the garden in the back yard and raised the most beautiful flowers in the front yard.  His day was complete when he washed down the driveway each evening with the hose.  I don't recall him saying much, but I do remember watching TV and playing cards with him most evenings before bed.  I first saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show beside my grandparents..... I don't think he was too impressed!

My Grandmother was my best friend those years.  I don't think she had much education, but she taught me something new nearly everyday.  To this day, my kitchen is my happy place because of her.  I remember grating tons of cheese nearly every weekend, that was my first lesson!  She taught me about making  'Gravy' and the secrets of good meatballs..."Don't skimp on the cheese!!"   To this day, I use a cast iron frying pan as she did and I can still hear her..."Don't touch them until they are fully cooked on that side!"

She taught me how to wash dishes (apparently, there is a "right way") and I still wash a loaded sink in the order I was taught.  I remember standing on a little stool as she taught me how to iron handkerchiefs, then graduating to pillowcases before I learned the proper way to iron the endless pile of white button down shirts.  She loved me unconditionally, while never spoiling me.  

My other set of grandparents lived in Brooklyn.  We made that trip most Sundays, after church, in our finest clothes to gather with that side of the family.  My grandparents owned the apartment house - 3 of the 4 apartments were filled with relatives!  We gathered in the basement at a long table - mostly saw horses and plywood covered in assorted tablecloths.  We never used paper plates, and none of the pasta bowls matched, but the food was always plentiful, homemade and delicious.  We were with our cousins so often that we literally grew up together.  You can never sever a bond like that.  

Becoming a Grandmother was one of the greatest joys I have ever known.  I am blessed to have an active role in my granddaughters' lives.  I only hope I also leave a memorable impression on them throughout the years....