EYE OPENERS
In my adulthood I can only remember some special people that I would consider a support team for me as I was growing up. There was my mother Gloria, my grandmother Artie Lee, my grandpa Sales, my Aunt Lula Mae, and Mrs. Grimes.
Grandma Artie Lee was a force not to be reckoned with. She was old school, tough, super suspicious, very religious and dressed to the nines in public and at church. She loved wearing hats and gloves and was a dedicated member and matron at her church. I think she had OCD because she was always cleaning and kept her house spotless, not a speck of dust to be found. She would say “A clean house is a Godly house.” She taught me manners, being “lady-like”, and cooking “southern style”. That meant learning how to clean and cook collard and mustard greens, fried chicken, and cornbread (yum). She tried to teach me to cook chitterling but I would get sick just by the smell (yuck). She had a green thumb and loved gardening and growing her own vegetables. I especially enjoyed gardening with her and I’m sure I inherited my love of gardening from her. She also had peach tree I remember well. It was the “switch tree”. Grandma Artie Lee was a strong proud woman with high morals and standards and I brought these traits with me into my adulthood. Take a bow Grandma Artie Lee.
Grandma Artie Lee
Mrs. Grimes was my other mother. She was my best friend’s mother and sometimes watched my siblings and me when my parent went out. She lives two doors down and I stayed at her house quite often. She would make something for us to eat and always made Kool-Aid for us. She taught her daughter, Donna and I how to weave with a loom. I learned to love and care for animals especially cats because she had two, a fish tank, and one German Shepard. She would let Donna and I bath the dog, walk her dog and feed him treats. Whenever she took Donna clothes shopping she would ask my mom if I could go too, and would buy Donna and me the same things. She the neighborhood mom and watched out for all the children, bandaging scrapes and wiping tears. Mrs. Grimes was also the mom that used friendly reminders about rules. She reinforced my mother’s lessons about caring for others and was a wonderful other mother. Thank you, Mrs. Grimes.
​My childhood was very transit. Our military family of seven moved around a lot, almost every 2-3 years. My dad was very stern with us and always had the last say, so my mother was the main support team for our family. Although she has passed I can remember her loving ways, her soft soothing voice, her humbleness, and the special attention she gave each of us. She was a stay at home mom and did not drive but she dedicated her life to her family. I remember that she taught me my housekeeping skills such as cooking, sewing, ironing, dishing washing, and how to maintain a clean home. She was a Christian and sent us to Sunday School every Sunday, and we attend church services with her. At night she would join us in our prayers. She would say "There is nothing impossible with God in your life." I always loved to sing and belonged to the children’s choir at church and various chorus groups during my school years. I thought I wanted to be a singer and she would record me singing on a reel to reel tape recorder and play them to everyone that came over to our house that was willing to listen.. When my brother was older she signed up to be a Boy Scout Leader and had her own troop just to ensure he and other boys had positive experiences. My sisters and I were in Girls Scout troops and later my mom signed me up for Candy Stripes. She encouraged me to be kind and care for others. Another one of her sayings was "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" Matthew 7:12. Another thing I remember is that she made big three ring binders for each of us and filled it with a collection of all our pictures, birthday cards, report cards, my first pay stub, and every achievement. She was always so proud of our accomplishments and urged and supported anything that involved education. One of my favorite things I did with my mother was writing poems. They were beautiful poems about life and nature. I know my love for cooking is an extension of her. She was such a great mom, role model, and friend. I really miss those times.
Mom and Dad Brother,Sister,Mom,and Me
Grandpa Sales on the other hand was a humble loving man. He nicknamed me “Hambone” and would always come to my defense if I got in trouble. I used to sit on his lap and he would tell me stories. I loved his stories they weren’t real they were made up but they were great. I think that’s why I love reading fairy stories. I remember that he ate a bowl of vanilla ice cream every night before bed, maybe that why I love ice cream. I have the fondness memories of my time with him. I miss you grandpa.
Grandpa Sales
Aunt Lula Mae was the fun aunt. She was quick witted, did not bite her tongue in make her point, expressing her opinions or beliefs, always had jokes, but still meant business. She had the warmest smile. I learned that a smile can change a person’s whole day. I learned a lot about standing up for myself, expressing my opinion but nicely, and being myself. She would say “always be yourself, don’t be something you’re not, don’t be phony.” I salute you Aunt Lula Mae.
Aunt Lula Mae
Mrs. Grimes
