I can't think of one person who doesn't love their grandma. Unable to understand that you simply can not eat that piece of blueberry pound cake that happens to be the size of a small country because "you're going to starve if you don't", they always have our best interests in mind. I have learned from her, laughed with her, and of course, eaten with her. The blueberry pound cake was too tempting, and she was very persuasive. In a world where Youtube tutorials reign supreme, it's nice to learn from some one who has had real experience. (Google doesn't know it all.) Here's a list of some lessons I've learned from mine.
1. Life is short, eat the cake.
Oh, That blue berry cake..."a small sliver of it isn't even enough to hurt you, Molly. Go on and eat it. You'll regret it if you don't..." What the heck, give me the cake!
2. Love without condition.
It always inspires me to see older couples who are still in love. Of course, no love story is without its struggles. But if there's one thing granny has taught me, its to love unconditionally. Their journey hasn't always been easy, but they've remained dedicated to each other--even when the other is completely unaware. Having advanced Alzheimer's, papa isn't able to say much, but you can see the love in his eyes when Granny wakes him up with, "Good morning baby doll," as she places his breakfast on his bedside table and begins feeding him.
3. You don't need wifi to make a connection.
With minimal knowledge of computers, as you would expect, there is no wifi to been seen at granny's. But if you just sit and listen you'll forget all about what's trending on social media. The stories that woman tells about her childhood are magical. At times they are hysterical and at times they are inspiring. I could listen all day. Forget Facebook, I'm spending my day with granny.
4. Wait for the One.
Waiting is okay. "Your prince charming is out there and when the time is right, you'll meet." Granny has taught me to laugh. Make lasting friendships. Learn how to bake the perfect pan of brownies. Spend time with family. Never settle for anything less than the man God hand picked for you. Life doesn't begin after you meet "the one." You already have a wonderful life full adventure right here right now.
5.Coffee is the liquid alternative to duct tape.
Had a bad day? Sit down and have a cup of coffee. Got a headache? Sit down and have a cup of coffee. Feeling a little stressed, sit down and have a cup of coffee. Want to talk? "Sit down while I make us a cup of coffee."
6. Family is everything.
She's always told me, "if you don't have family, you haven't got anything." Having nine brothers and sisters, granny understands family. They call each other every day, always tell stories about their childhood together. When they get together, the reunion is something akin to the Golden Girls.
7. Everything tastes better at grandma's house.
I think we can all agree that grandma's cooking is literal manna from heaven. Can I get an amen? I personally learned to cook by watching my granny cook, but try as I might, nothing I make tastes like hers. Even the water tastes better at her house. Grandma magic? I think so.
8.Let your relationship with God be the strongest you have.
Granny has prayed with us, spoke words of wisdom from The Lord to us, and even binge watched VeggieTales with us. (The theme song is playing in your head too, right?) but most of all, their lives were and still are a reflection of the heart of God.
9. Southern Hospitality is alive and well.
The door will open and you'll be greeted with a warm smile. Don't worry about calling ahead. Sweet tea will be offered when you come over. Coffee will be made to sip on over conversation. When you leave you'll hear, "come on back soon now!"
10. Granny's love is the best medicine.
We've all been there; you had a rotten day, and want nothing more than to curl up in bed, binge watch Netflix and scarf down a tub of Ben and Jerry's. But as soon as granny finds out she pulls you close with a, "come here baby," for a hug and a pep talk. By the time she's done you feel like you could conquer the world.
Take some time with your grandparents, listen and learn. They're absolute treasures and life wouldn't be as wonderful without them. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to head over to granny's to have a chat and perhaps a "small sliver" of blueberry cake.
