Saturday, February 5, 2011

Grandma Sadie

I guess I thought I was the center of attention in this photo--leaning forward and all. I love this photo of my Grandma Sadie for a couple of reasons. The photo reminds me that she always wore a hairnet at home. She always wore dresses. And most of the time she would wear a necklace.

There has never been a kinder grandmother. There has never been a woman who knew clearly who God was, believed in his son Jesus and lived showing the spirit of God in her daily life. She was a great example for me.

She worked very hard as a farmer's wife. She also tended her chickens and grew a garden to feed her family. This tiny woman had eight children of which all graduated high school.






Here are a few other things I remember about my maternal grandmother.
  • My grandmother did not have a middle name.
  • She called to talk to my mother every night (it seemed). I wonder how she got through our wicked party line.
  • You never left her home feeling hungry.
  • She always gave me $2 every birthday.
  • I lived with her the first six months of my life. We bonded.
  • She told me she would die before my daughter was born in June of 1982. She told me she was ready. I told her to stop talking like that. She did pass before my daughter was born. It happened as she was being released from the hospital. She had a heart attack and died.
  • That was one of the saddest days of my life.

Frank and Sadie Dugan with their eldest daughter Belva.

Significance: Whether good or bad, family makes an impact. This part of my family influenced me in many ways and they deserve to be remembered. Although, I was very young when my grandfather passed, my connection to him is strong. My grandmother treated me like royalty. How could I not feel loved?  She called my mother Sis. She called me Sis. My mom calls me Sis. I call my daughter Sis and sometimes my granddaughter. And my aunt and her delightful Texan accent was also a source of love and affirmation. Influence. Family members influence whether by genetics or by example. This is something we should consider when we interact with our own families.



15 comments:

Mason Canyon said...

Great photo. It is amazing how family impacts our lives without us realizing it until one day - bam it hits us. I don't think my grandmother had a middle name either. Wonder if it was just something with that generation? Have a great weekend. Be careful in the snow.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Naqvee said...

The sis factor looks a binding thread.. keep it going.. some people are unfortunate (like me) who never experienced the love of any grandma.. I was born after they all went up... on the seventh sky

Kelly said...

I really enjoy reading your reflections! They bring back such good memories of my own.

I loved both of my grandmothers dearly. One lived with us most of my life and her birthday was the day before mine.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Mason, I think it was more common in those times to have only a first name.

Naqvee, I wish you could have known your grandmothers. I have to say I'm missing them more and more.

Kelly, Thanks I enjoy reflecting. It must be my age, but the older I get the more I think on those who have passed and were a huge part of my life.

Linda Hoye said...

Lovely tribute to your grandma!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Linda, Thanks. I love remembering her.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Theresa .. love these photos & you're right - that's a great picture of you - though the one who's most important is your GrandMama .. I don't remember mine that well - but can certainly appreciate others' grandparents, aunts and uncles etc ..

Wonderful that you remember and continue the tradition on with "Sis" .. have fun with them .. happy memories .. Hilary

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Grandma Sadie sounds like a very special woman. Glad you have all those fond memories of her.

Mary Aalgaard said...

What great memories and bond you had. The photos are terrific. The love lingers on.

Indie said...

I love what you said about how we impact our families by genetics or example. So true!

Your Grandma was a special woman.

Indie

Arlee Bird said...

Love these stories. They make me remember things. My grandmother always wore a dress as well. We mostly lived kind of far from her and I never spent too much time around her, but the time I had was so memorable. Her name was so old fashioned--Lessie Nell. She had a twin sister who looked nothing like her, whose name was Essie. They lived thousands of miles apart and I don't guess they ever saw each other after adulthood. You've haven't been around for a little while. Hope all is well.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Shalet Jimmy said...

This post reminded me of my paternal grandfather who had passed away. We too bonded well. He was a kind of companion, friend and many other things. I miss him very much...Thanks a lot for this wonderful post....

Connie Arnold said...

Thanks for sharing your memories, Teresa. Grandmothers are so special. I have fond memories of my grandmothers, and find it hard to believe that now I'm the one that's a grandmother! Family members certainly do have a profound impact on us.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I just wanted to aplolgize...the pics on my last post did not show to anyone but me. Sorry!!! I've reposted usin' Photobucket to hop on over if ya get a chance.

God bless and have a wonderful day!!!

Unknown said...

Family leaves an imprint; good or bad, so it is our duty to make it good!