Reminiscence is sweet. I never knew my grandparents. They died before or soon after I was born. I had lots of aunts. Never quite made up for having no one to call grandma or grandpa. That’s why I make the most of being a grandma (going on 75) to my granddaughter (going on 25.
Welcome, welcome to why I named my Ss "From Both Sides Now." Maybe we arrive at 75 or whenever we're able to see life then and now with that kind of perspective. It gives us an appreciation for both times, gratitude for each and now passing along those stories to others as others before us gave us their stories. I can tell stories about the stories my grandparents told me and my children and grandchildren are now accumulating their own stories.
I never met my greats as my grandparents came “off the boat”. All but my maternal grandmother were gone before I reached my teens. At least I had her for quite a few years.
This is a weird thought CJ and I don’t know if it even makes sense. We’ve never met in person but I can picture you as a “Grandmother” or even “Grandma” but not a “Granny”. I don’t know, maybe it’s that Granny Clampett // Irene Ryan character that comes to mind. Like I said - weird 🙄
We grew up with multiple "grandparents" in our lives. Some were older friends of my parents. Some didn't have grandchildren of their own. It enriched our childhoods tremendously. Great post, C.J.!
C.J., I can't tell you how much this means to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing about the importance of grandparents. I absolutely loved and related to the specialness. I wrote about my husband's artist grandfather who traveled with his young wife from Switzerland in the 1920's through Paris to Ellis Island and made his way to California where he dreamed to me a mid-century artist. John absolutely adored him and I so wish I had known him too. I loved my grandparents. The reason I ended up here writing my way out of a terrible had a lot to do with what it means to be a grandparent. Sending you a big hug C.J. Have a good weekend. oxox
Thank you, Deborah! One can never have too many hugs, especially from friends. You’re very kind to say so. Sometimes it seems so strange that I am now the antiquarian who collects grandparent stories to pass down, especially when I know as a grandparent myself, they now include my stories! I just want to keep them all alive in their fresh new minds.
We will! I need to get all my stories downloaded as I started writing on a program and transferring to Substack but have been using Substack to write for awhile now. It makes me nervous. Time consuming but I must store these on an external HD. I know better being a photographer. (face slap!).
Thank you, Wen. I would love to make more but they’re spread out over five different states up north. It’s hard to get to see them more than once or twice a year. Bummer.
Reminiscence is sweet. I never knew my grandparents. They died before or soon after I was born. I had lots of aunts. Never quite made up for having no one to call grandma or grandpa. That’s why I make the most of being a grandma (going on 75) to my granddaughter (going on 25.
Being a grandma is so much fun. I’m glad you are getting that opportunity.
Welcome, welcome to why I named my Ss "From Both Sides Now." Maybe we arrive at 75 or whenever we're able to see life then and now with that kind of perspective. It gives us an appreciation for both times, gratitude for each and now passing along those stories to others as others before us gave us their stories. I can tell stories about the stories my grandparents told me and my children and grandchildren are now accumulating their own stories.
You’re very intuitive, Gary, and right on the mark. I agree with your comments about the appreciation and gratitude.
Thank you.
CJ, What precious memories. D
Thank you, Dave. Much appreciated.
The beautiful circle of love that keeps spinning ❤️
Awww, so sweet
I never met my greats as my grandparents came “off the boat”. All but my maternal grandmother were gone before I reached my teens. At least I had her for quite a few years.
This is a weird thought CJ and I don’t know if it even makes sense. We’ve never met in person but I can picture you as a “Grandmother” or even “Grandma” but not a “Granny”. I don’t know, maybe it’s that Granny Clampett // Irene Ryan character that comes to mind. Like I said - weird 🙄
I’ve never been called ‘granny’ … my grandchildren have always called me,
‘Grammy’ with “Ms” in the middle. Mostly, they shortened it to Gram.
You are NOT weird, Ken. 💞💞
We grew up with multiple "grandparents" in our lives. Some were older friends of my parents. Some didn't have grandchildren of their own. It enriched our childhoods tremendously. Great post, C.J.!
Thank you, Rod. Yes, grandparents are very important in children’s lives, even those borrowed grandparents have love to give and love to receive.
C.J., I can't tell you how much this means to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing about the importance of grandparents. I absolutely loved and related to the specialness. I wrote about my husband's artist grandfather who traveled with his young wife from Switzerland in the 1920's through Paris to Ellis Island and made his way to California where he dreamed to me a mid-century artist. John absolutely adored him and I so wish I had known him too. I loved my grandparents. The reason I ended up here writing my way out of a terrible had a lot to do with what it means to be a grandparent. Sending you a big hug C.J. Have a good weekend. oxox
Thank you, Deborah! One can never have too many hugs, especially from friends. You’re very kind to say so. Sometimes it seems so strange that I am now the antiquarian who collects grandparent stories to pass down, especially when I know as a grandparent myself, they now include my stories! I just want to keep them all alive in their fresh new minds.
hugs and love
Life goes by way too quickly! I think writing these stories will be an absolute treasure trove for the grandkids someday. It's so important ✨🙏🏻 ox
I couldn’t agree more, Deborah. I love writing grandparent stories and I know you do too. We’ll carry Onnnnn!
We will! I need to get all my stories downloaded as I started writing on a program and transferring to Substack but have been using Substack to write for awhile now. It makes me nervous. Time consuming but I must store these on an external HD. I know better being a photographer. (face slap!).
Sounds like a great plan! Yes, it’s time consuming, but necessary.'
Hey, no face slapping … <wink>
hugs
Such lovely memories! Time to make more with your little ones! ❤️
Thank you, Wen. I would love to make more but they’re spread out over five different states up north. It’s hard to get to see them more than once or twice a year. Bummer.