Writing from the Heart
  • Home
  • My Story
  • My Writing
    • Published Articles
    • Favorite Writing Books
  • My Blog
  • Contact Me

Aprons, Bonnets and Memories of Grandma

6/23/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
I can’t believe it’s already strawberry picking time! This time of year always reminds me of my great-grandma. We picked strawberries every summer at her house when I was a kid.  

We’d pull into the driveway, chickens squawking and scattering across the barnyard, while the lingering dust followed us in from the gravel road behind. I’d unlatch the picket fence gate, walk past an old water pump, and head up the wooden steps of the big, white farmhouse. Almost always, a fat yellow cat snoozed on the top step, requiring a firm scoot before we could push open the squeaky screen door. 

“Come on in,” Great-grandma’s shaky voice would call. She’d walk over to greet us, drying her freckled wrinkly hands on her apron. Then she’d dig out her white enamel pan and reach for her flowered bonnet hanging by the back door. Aprons and bonnets were part of her, like her gentle smile or thinning gray hair. Like a real pioneer woman, she’d tie her bonnet securely under her chin. Peeking out from under the brim, she’d stroll out with us to the strawberry patch. 

My mom, brother and I would pick the plump, ripe strawberries and listen to the clatter of chirping birds, and the occasional crowing of an ill-tempered rooster. Of course, some of the juicy berries ended up in our bellies instead of the pans. 

After awhile we became bored. That’s when my brother would start thinking of ways to make his own fun, like flinging strawberries at me when mom wasn't looking, or shouting “snake,” just to see if I’d shriek. I’m sure we fussed about aching backs or sweaty foreheads, but when the job was done, Great-grandma gave us a special treat that made it all worthwhile – an ice-cold bottle of Mt. Dew from the bottom of the fridge.

Picture
Today, one of Great-Grandma’s aprons hangs in my laundry room. Her apron reminds me of those carefree days of picking strawberries. Back then, life was easy. I had no responsibilities, and my biggest problem was my older brother’s pranks. 

But Great-grandma’s life wasn't easy. In her lifetime she’d scrubbed clothes on a washboard, pumped water from a well, and even baked cakes in an iron cook stove. Oh how I appreciate modern conveniences like microwaves, washers and dryers, and air conditioning! 
 
My great-grandma never ventured far. She lived in the same small community all 95 years of her life. But she loved her neighbors and her family. She was humble and kind - and her faith got her through the hard times. Though she lived a difficult life, she handled the hardships with courage and strength. Thinking of her life inspires me to strive for the best in mine.

Join the conversation! I'd love to hear about your childhood memories. Did you visit your grandparents (or great-grandparents) over the summer? What's your favorite summertime memories?

*strawberry photo courtesy of antpkr at freedigitalphotos.net
2 Comments
Hally Franz link
6/24/2014 10:43:27 am

Isn't a blessing to have grandparents like the great-grandmother you described! She sounds lovely. Had some strawberry pie today at my mom's --- good stuff! Another sweet story, Sheri!

Reply
Sheri
6/25/2014 04:58:52 am

Thanks Hally! So glad you stopped by. :-)

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Like me on Facebook!
    Follow Blog via Email

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    May 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    Categories

    All
    Attitude
    Contentment
    Farm Memories
    Fear
    Friendship
    Glimpses Of God
    Gratitude
    Guest Posts
    Guest Posts
    Lessons From My Kids
    Marriage
    MS
    Parenting/Motherhood
    Patience
    School Visits
    Writing Journey

    Picture

    I am a member of COMPEL Training

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.