What I Learned From Grandma Rene
Today, my Grandma Rene is 92 years young. I can’t hardly believe it! Only in the last few years has she appeared old to me, but she is still active and fairly sharp. Over my life I have learned a few things from her.
A little background: She was born in 1920. She grew up on a farm during the 1920’s and 1930’s. She lived during the Depression. She lost her father at 16 years old. She graduated high school and worked as a hired girl until she married my grandfather, Roger, in 1942. She followed him during the WWII as he was a Second Lieutenant with the 807th AAF Base Unit. After the war they settled down on a farm in northwest Iowa and she gave birth to six sons. My grandfather passed away in 1968. In 1972 she went to nursing school so that she could provide for her sons after the farm was sold. She worked as a nurse until 1995(?) when she retired. She married my step-grandfather, Curtis, in 1995. He passed away in 2010. She has buried three of her six sons.
She is a tough lady who will help you in any way possible. She is always willing to pitch in and help. She cares deeply about those she loves. She still lives at home and tries to mow her own lawn. She likes to play cards and go dancing. She loves to have company over and visit.
Some things I have learned from Grandma Rene is:
1. Get to know your neighbors. You never know when you might need to help them and/or need their help.
2. Dishes should always be done after dinner and there is no such thing as too many hands to help with dishes.
3. Stay active physically and mentally.
4. Take care of your health and it will take care of you.
5. Always pitch in and help. Many hands make light work.
6. Almost anything can be reused. Sometimes a third, fourth, fifth and sixth time.
7. Sometimes you need to be creative to make something work.
8. Always keep cookies in the freezer for when family and company come over.
9. Keep a garden and can your produce.
10. A clean house is a matter of pride and looks nice for unexpected company.
I am sure there is more, but these are what stand out in my mind. If you have more to add, please comment below!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
2 thoughts on “What I Learned From Grandma Rene”
You are lucky to have such a nice gramma. Mine was a mean unhappy woman and what I remember hearing from her always was "there is no rest for the wicked" and sure enough she was tired up until she passed away a few years ago! It is amazing to me that my mother was raised by her and is so loving and good to all her children.