Grandparents Day is September 12, 2021 – this is a great read!

Recollections – by Judy

It is quite possible that you have a memory of a grandparent that made an impression on you. I recently received a copy of A Grandparents Love by Jackie Corley. Since I am a newly-minted grandmother, I consumed this collection of quotes in one sitting.  I found myself smiling, laughing and agreeing with the content.  Jackie Corley is a prolific communicator and her research, collection and presentation is insightful.  She brought back memories of my paternal grandmother, Bertha Odessa Chapman (we share the same middle name). My father never got an argument when he took us to visit her. After welcoming hugs, the cookie jar and glasses of milk appeared on the kitchen table. When I think of her, I think of cookies – real, homemade ones. My grandfather was around but do not remember much contact with him.  I have few thoughts about my maternal grandmother because she abandoned her 3 girls (my mom was the oldest).  That grandfather did not create any fond memories. However, with my marriage, I acquired Gramma Suzy, a widowed invalid who had remarried.  She was amazing. From her wheelchair, she was in charge.  We would drive 3 hours to visit her in Scotia, NY and she would always say we were late. “The food is getting cold.”  When my parents sold everything in Roseland and moved to Florida “to be near the grandchildren” I did not get it. Now I understand the gravitational pull that grandchildren have, and I realize what a smart move that was.  A cover quote by Margaret  Mead has stayed with me:

“In the presence of grandparent and grandchild, past and future merge in the present.”