This week has been pretty busy, with a mix of happy news and not-so-happy news. Several exciting things happened as far as my Premier business goes, but in the midst of all that I got the news that my grandfather, Gran Gran, has passed. He lived a great life for 94 years on this earth, and now he has joined his wife up in Heaven. He lived to see some of his great-grandchildren be born, even start high school! His health had been declining so I was not all too shocked when I heard the news, though it was sad nevertheless. Today, I'd like to remember him by sharing just five out of many wonderful memories I have with my Gran-Gran.
1. One of my earliest memories involves a tricky situation where I really, I mean really, loved this tank top at GAP Kids that had a lady bug on it. When I begged my mom for it, she refused. I thought I had lost this perfect tank forever, when Gran-Gran swooped in and saved the day, and bought me that beloved lady bug tank. I still have the part with the lady bug, as part of a t-shirt quilt my mom made me. :)
2. Every summer, Gran-Gran and Nana would organize a beach trip for our whole family, and we'd all stay in a giant house together. By the time I got old enough, they really wouldn't go on the beach much, so after lunch when all the adults would take a nap or want to sit on the shady porch, Gran-Gran and I would sit down for an afternoon "cocktail"-- ginger ale. It's why I'm so fond of it today, and whenever I drink it I always think of Gran-Gran and our "cocktail" hour.
3. Many times when I was attending SCAD in Savannah, GA, I would find my way up to South Carolina for a visit. And since I couldn't go to Columbia without seeing Gran-Gran, I developed a little ritual where I'd arrive to visit bearing a gift in milkshake form--always vanilla. His eyes would always light up when I'd come walking in, milkshake in hand!
4. I remember the day I told him I had settled on Florida State as the college I was going to transfer to. I had actually looked at University of South Carolina, his alma mater (along with a large majority of my relatives'), so when I chose FSU instead I needed sound reasoning. I explained, "Gran-Gran. I've decided to attend the Florida State University, but don't worry, Garnet is still one of their colors and FSU never plays South Carolina so I will still be able to cheer for the Gamecocks! So much better than choosing to go to Auburn..." (my cousin graduated from there, which is a sore subject you can imagine). It gave Gran-Gran a good little chuckle. Even in his later years he kept his sharp mind and wit.
5. While this photo was taken in 2013, I will always remember being able to see him just a couple months ago for his birthday, which since Nana's passing in 2008 has turned into a family reunion. This year, as you might remember, Kyle was able to join us which I was very happy about. The memories from these reunions will always be with me.
I have Gran-Gran to thank for many things in life; my first car, lessons about hard work and saving money, and more memories with both him and Nana than I can count. They will never be forgotten, and I thank God for all those beautiful moments.
--Caroline
P.S. I will be taking Monday off, seeing as I will be tied up this weekend and I know I will have some catching up on schoolwork to do. Thank you for your understanding, love, and prayers!
