Tribute to Grandma

Goodbye Grandma 

"So teach us to number our days that we may apply our heart to wisdom". Psalm 90:10

This week we say goodbye to another generation. In this last year we've said goodbye to both of Jim's Grandmothers, and his aunt Mary. It's been a bit of a tough week for our family. And this is truly the door closing on one generation of Jim's family. Grandmother Charlene came to the end of her life this Friday afternoon. She was full of charm and wit. I myself had the opportunity to get to know her in the 3 years that we lived in Virginia. Unfortunately it was hard to stay as connected as we would have liked over the last 7 years, with our family living over 3,000 miles away.

Grandma Charlene was such a neat lady, and Jim is blessed to have many fond memories of her. She had a love for learning, and was always reading and researching something new. When around her, you always learned something new yourself as she enjoyed sharing her wisdom. She was smart, fun, and witty! I'll never forget when we threw a 75th birthday party for her (about 10 years ago!). Jim and I chose a gift for her of a crystal bowl, and a beautiful card that had the number 75 on the front. When Grandma opened the card she looked at Jim and I, and in her most serious voice said "Thanks a lot Jim, and Jennifer, just what I needed to be reminded of my age!" Hahaha. She had that kind of witty humor about her, that always kept you on your toes. 

She was a mother of 4 children also, she knew well, and understood the sprint of our lives over the last few years. She kept up with a husband whom I hear kept her on her toes. I never had to pleasure to meet him. I do however have a picture of him, that was gifted to us by Grandma. He is standing next to a Hollywood car that he drove as a stunt double for Clark Gable in a classic Hollywood movie. I am sure that the two of them together had many fun stories to share.

Here are a couple of  fun stories that we enjoy sharing, about Grandma Charlene. These stories show best who Grandma Charlene was. Full of wit, and spunk! We hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as we enjoy sharing them.

A TRIBUTE TO GRANDMA:

This is Jim's sister Theresa and Grandma Charlene Feb 2012.

Grandma C, once had two armed young men enter her house. This was not too far back either. Grandma was about 80 at the time! When the men came into her house, demanding keys and any other valuable items. She ran to pick up the telephone. She was obviously going to call 911 but they jerked the phone from her! She didn't stop there, though no. She was a smart lady, who could think on her toes (even at 80)she knew that she must think quickly. The men intended to rob her, and instead of panicking or giving in, she quickly yelled out "Hey Robert, come up here!" As soon as the men heard that they ran out of the house, expecting to encounter a full grown adult male... What they didn't know: Robert is  her great grandson Jim's sisters boy, all of about 4 years old at the time and napping! HA! Way to go Grandma C I will always remember this story, as it exemplifies her quick thinking and intelligence.

Another great story our family loves to tell happened before I came into the family but, a great one to be told none the less. One of Grandma C's sons works as a firefighter for the city in which she lives. She was a woman who liked to get things done, she was a busy lady,taking care of things as time allowed. Well...time did not always line up with the cities regulations. Grandma had some yard burning to do, and was not about to let the city dictate when she could burn her yard debris  As you can imagine one of the cities firetrucks showed up at her house. When asking Grandma Charlene about her burning on an off burn day, and getting ready to ticket her,the firefighters who responded began to ask what her name was. Her response...Mary Jones! Oh Grandma you are too funny! She knew that if she stated her legal name there would be no way to keep her son from either knowing of her rule breaking, and or being associated with a non-compliant citizen for a mother!

Anyhow as you can see from the above Grandma Charlene was truly full of courage, wit, and intelligence. She was a wonderful woman. I am honored to be able to say she was my Grandmother also. Rest in peace Grandma C, until we meet again. Much love always.


Job 5:26-27 "You shall come to your grave at full age, like a shock of corn in his season. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it and know it, for your good.