One day while thrifting at the Salvation Army, I came across this book, Grandmother's Wonderful Wisdom. It's one of those books given to the grandparent to fill out for the grandchild. I bought it of course and gave it to my Grandma Morse (nee Deem). She surprised me at Christmas and gave it to me all filled out (with a few exceptions.) You can tell it's geared to a younger grandchild/grandparent pair, but it's helped pull out some great memories and glimpses of my grandmother. I'll be posting some of the Q&As periodically.
Once, someone's kindness brightened my life. here's what happened:
Willard and Helen Capehart in LaCroft Church of the Nazarene where I became a member as a teenager showed great kindness to me when I may not have been able to return to ENC for my sophomore year due to lack of finances. They gave me the much needed money!
Later in 1957, they traveled all the way from Ohio to Wollaston, MA, for my graduation. Three months later they provided a beautiful rehearsal dinner when your grandpa and I were married. What kindness they showed to me!
Would you like to know some of the reasons I think you're special? Okay, here goes:
1. You do such special things for others.
2. You are so loving & kind to children.
3. Creative & resourceful.
4. Great intellect.
5. Good sense of putting things in order.
6. Graduated from ENC magna cum laude.
7. Family genealogist.
8. Send meaningful cards...
9. ...and write lovely notes on them.
10. Enjoy your family and God's church.
This might be the best gift I've ever received. Certainly one of the most meaningful. So much time thought, and energy was put into this. I know it wasn't easy for her to write so much by hand. Thanks Grandma! I'd recommend anyone with older relatives still living to get a few of these books (there are so many different ones available) and encourage them to fill them out (or ask the questions and do the writing yourself!) You'll learn a lot, spark memories long-buried, and develop closer relationships. You might even find an individual or two that needs to be added to your family tree!