I hadn’t forgotten about them, but I had forgotten about the magic of them.
When we pulled into the driveway a few weeks ago and she saw the bright yellow flowers shooting up from the ground, she couldn’t get out to pick one fast enough.
In that moment, she became the third generation of our family to pick those same flowers from that same spot, stick ‘em in an old glass bottle filled with water and put them in the kitchen window.
It is both amazing and heartbreaking how a jonquil bulb can outlive a person.
The same is true of that old under-the-cabinet radio in the kitchen. It is still going strong even though it’s been well over two decades since your fingers turned its knobs. Although, I do believe it can only be tuned into country stations.
I turned that radio on the other day while I was cooking. I was in the kitchen all afternoon and into the evening, that radio going the whole time and those jonquils smiling at me from the windowsill. I am not necessarily a person who enjoys to spend that much time in the kitchen, but on that day as the music played and the Circus helped me to mix up the batter for the pound cake, there is no other place in the world I would have rather been.
Our little girl has also learned the Swingin’ song. I picked her up from her Aunt Sherry’s house one afternoon and there they were singing it on the swing set when I pulled up. She had told her all about it and how you used to sing it to me.
When she started belting it out the next day, flying high on that swing in the front yard, already knowing the song word-for-word, I knew that song must have been ingrained in her DNA before she took her first breath and she had just needed someone to remind her she already knew it.
I like to think that before she got to me, you pulled her close and sang her that song. You probably went on and chose which little ringlet curl was yours as well, as you always did get first pick. And among other things, I’m sure you also told her never to underestimate the healing power of a milkshake or country music. Then, you sent her on down to me.
She picks your jonquils, loves country music just as much as you did and has those classic Grannie Peggy curls.
She’s never met you, but I have a feeling you’re never far from her.
I think the only thing you forgot to mention to her was how easy it is to flip out of the hammock and roll down the hill. But then again, where would the fun in that be?
More Stories are Here.
Kari Wagner Hoban says
I adore this. I believe she is with your little one every moment. I believe it with my whole being. 🙂
Jenna says
Me too, sis. 🙂
Marty Oravetz says
Precious moments and memories. Such a tribute to your loved ones.
Jenna says
Very precious! Thanks, Marty!
Verna says
Look at her happiness finding flowers! Beautiful!
Jenna says
She loves them!!
Becky says
this is beautiful 🙂 I wish sometimes that I had grown up closer to my grandparents, but such is life.
Jenna says
Thank you, Becky. I have no doubt they still thought the world of you and are always close by. 🙂
Dad says
Great story. Even more precious memories. And yes, it brought some tears. Grannie would be very proud of the mother you have become. She would also have the Circus quite spoiled by now.
Jenna says
I think you’re right, Dad! 🙂
Anje Schmitz says
We share a love of vintage and family. I love this post. Makes me miss my grandma and my Auntie Rie. I have a house full of quirky family treasures including a cowboy quilt just like yours. In my family it’s the spring tulips. Love your blog. You are a rare gem in the blog world that shows that Home doesn’t have to come from Target or TJ Maxx!
Jenna says
Oh thank you so much, Anje. 🙂 You just made me smile. I love treasures like that and those cowboy quilts are something one should never let go of!
Joy Shanor says
So sweet!! This brought tears to my eyes!!
Jenna says
Thanks, Joy!
Tammy says
And now I am crying. The Good Lord knew what He was doing when He made grandmas, didn’t He?
Pretty sure this will always be my favorite post of yours. It certainly is as of now!
Jenna says
He most definitely did. 🙂
Missy says
Such a nice story! I remember when Swingin’ came out, many years ago. John Anderson is my cousin. Our grandmothers were sisters. Music and memories go together.
Jenna says
Look at you! Didn’t know I had people who had rubbed shoulders with famous people around here!
Patty says
This was one of the sweetest posts and tribute to your grandma, It brought a few tears. I truly believe that people we truly love and that loved us never really leave us.
Jenna says
I couldn’t agree more, Patty! 🙂
Sherry says
Made Aunt Sherry a little sad and in the same respect happy that Grannie Peggy lives on!!! I know that she is smiling!
Jenna says
🙂
Kaycee says
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story with us. I never got to meet my Dad’s Mom or Dad, and only had 5 short years with my Mom’s Dad and only 8 years with Grandma. I feel a bit cheated out of the Grandparent experience but stories like yours bring back the sweet memories of those short years together.
Jenna says
I’m glad you enjoyed the story, Kaycee and am happy to help bring back those memories. ?
Amy says
Girl, you can definitely tell a story. This one was a tear jerker for sure. Sending big hugs your way!
Jenna says
Thank you, Amy!
Suzanne Melton says
Classic Jenna.
Jenna says
Thank you, Suzanne!
Patti says
Love this. My MaMa loved flowers and baking pound cake, too. My eyes are leaking good tears!
Jenna says
Thanks, Patti! Grandmas are the best!
Gloria Rollins says
Jenna, this is a wonderful post that I enjoyed immensely!! Your grandmother was a rare gem that I loved dearly. She would be beaming with pride over the people her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have all become!! Thanks for sharing your memories of her in your blog, makes her seem a little closer to me after I read this!!! Love you Jenna!!
Jenna says
Thank you, Mrs. Rollins! She certainly loved you!
JENNIFER KAY says
Best post ever Jenna! Beautiful, happy, sad, funny and just a little teary too. I also love your motto about flying your freak flag. Mine these days is ” What is the worst that thing can happen?”. I have discovered some wonderful things by taking the risk.
Jenna says
Thanks, Jennifer! I totally agree with that motto – love it!!
Big Johnson says
Where do I begin???? Sherry told me yesterday, I needed to read this post. Thus, today I did. I can hardly see to type because of me crying like a great big baby. I don’t care who knows I’m a cry baby. She was/is such a wonderful person, with the biggest heart & loving attitude. Yes, I’m a fat man with rough edges. But, I feel much of the good in me is from this lovely lady. I remember seeing Elle picking those flowers & I remember picking those myself. Years ago, I can recall folks admiring the vegetation & asking if they could stop & get some. I never answered. I think with my silence it was known how special they are.
Jenna says
There were quite a few tissues that I went through myself when I wrote this one. I’m glad you liked it. ❤️
Pam says
Gotta say ~ you really outdid yourself of this one. Genes are very interesting!
Jenna says
Thank you, Pam! ?
Jane Hammond says
Perfect. When are you writing a book?
Jenna says
Thanks, Jane! Haha! I would love to write a book – its definitely on my “dream” list. I just don’t know that I have it in me to write an entire book. I’m good with stories, but a whole book about one thing – that scares me! I would like to put all my stories into a book as a sort of a collection and then add a few more in, but I don’t know if anyone would actually be interested in that. Not to mention – I have zero publisher contacts! haha!
Stephanie S. says
Oh Jenna, what sweet post. Brought tears to my eyes and missing my grandparents. Also missing having a girl just like me and sharing memories with her. Keep being that special mom you are and cherish the time with her. Thanks for sharing.
Jenna says
You are too sweet, Stephanie. Thank you ?
Susan the Farm Quilter says
A thread from the tapestry of your life, connecting the love from one generation to another. Beautiful.
Jenna says
Thank you, Susan. 🙂
WENDY says
I bet she does…had not heard this song before. Lovely post.
Jenna says
Thank you, Wendy! 🙂
Martinchist says
Hi All im newbie here. Good art! Thx! Love your stories!
Jenna says
Thanks!
Chelsea says
I was in the mood for one of your stories, Jenna so I came over and you didn’t disappoint. I know your Grannie is smiling and so proud of you and that beautiful Circus! xoxo
Jenna says
You’re too sweet, Chelsea. Thank you, girl!