My Grandparents

IMG_3329-2, originally uploaded by Ozziepuds.

Years from now, after I'm long gone, I hope that this blog will mean something to someone. There is very little I know about my great grandparents. I would have loved to know their hobbies, interests, hopes and dreams and daily life. I was fortunate in the fact that I had all of my grandparents until I was well into my twenties. In the same town, nonetheless. I loved my Papa and Papa Poole (my mother's parents) more than words. They never missed a ballgame, birthday, or milestone in my life. My grandmother didn't drive, interestingly enough. I remember us walking to McDonald's or Horne's BBQ from her house to have lunch. We would eat, then walk back. They accompanied our family on vacations. My grandfather was a very hard worker as a line foreman for Alabama Power. It's the only job I ever know he had, although I'm sure he had others when he was younger. My grandmother never worked. They took time with me to play dominoes and other board games when I spent the night with them, and I remember the beautiful pink roses that grew in their backyard. Or the farm and the horses my Papa bought us. And the fresh vegetables out of their garden. And Papa Poole's chocolate cake and chicken and dressing, which I still crave.

My father's parents and I were more disconnected, probably simply because I preferred spending all my time at the other set of Grandparents house. My grandfather was a TV repairman, and my grandmother held several retail jobs in ladies clothing shops and boutiques in Tuscaloosa. My grandfather was fun, and slicked back his hair with vaseline which turned it black (who knew?) He loved to play tennis and when he wasn't playing tennis he was usually watching it. My grandmother and granddaddy (the names I had for them) drank alcohol. Alot. Constantly. And while they were never physically abusive to me in any way, we just never really bonded. I didn't cry when they died. No unfond memories, but no fond ones either.

I want Payton to know all of this. So I blog. And Scrapbook. And I photograph ad nauseum. I want her to know so much about me, my family and our history. It's my gift to her.

Happy Mother's Day?!? 05-09-2010

So what is the worst phone call a mother can get? Especially on mother's day? The dreaded one. I got the dreaded phone call Sunday morning at 8:00 AM. My daughter, Ashley, was involved in a one car accident Saturday evening around 11:30 PM. There were four in her car. One of their friends was having a seizure and they were trying to get him to the hospital. The driver lost control of the car, and they ran off the road. Thank God, Thank God, Thank God she is going to be OK. But I have to say my heart stopped for a minute. It could have been so much worse. All four passengers were treated and released from UAB Hospital in Birmingham. One has a fractured back, but surprisingly they sent him home in a brace. Ashley did not have her seat belt on in the back seat (we have had a chat about that) and was thrown out of the back window of her car. Thank you, Lord for making me a mother. But next year I'd like a much milder version of mother's day please. And most of all thank you for my children. That they are alive. That is what I am thinking about the most this mother's day.

OK, I'll Admit It.....I'm kind of addicted.....

to facebook. I just found two of my cousins on FB that I haven't seen in years. Also, I love keeping in touch with my former high school friends, and a couple of people I used to date long ago. I love the stupid game Farmville. Yes, I grow vegetables and have animals. And, even acquaintances that I enjoy keeping up with. Photography pages from my favorite photographers, many who are listed on my blog list. I guess there are much worse habits.

I'm going to a birthday party tonight at Coach Green's house for Josh Lauer, one of our volleyball assistant coaches. And, I'm taking my camera. So I'll post pics of the birthday bash tomorrow! Have a wonderful Friday!