These two got married.
Grandpa just out of the Navy from WW2 and Grandma at home with her parents had just graduated from high school a year before.
They dated about 6 months when Grandpa knew that Grandma was the one. They got married and had $75 to their name. Grandpa went to a local thrift store and bought two forks, two knives and two spoons and a few plates. He found a couch that had been burned on one end and cut it off and repaired it to work as the couch for their home. They lived in my Grandma’s sisters basement in Martinez Ca.
Grandma moved to California during the war with her family. Times were really hard and there were more opportunities in the west. They were from Oklahoma. Grandma shared stories of picking cotton when she was a child, and how it hurt her hands.
Grandpa had a tragic child hood, filled with death, separation from his 3 sisters and abuse from an uncle. In later years he found forgiveness for all of it.
These two people grew together as one. They built a home with 4 daughters, who later had 7 children, and those grandchildren gave them 7 more great grandchildren. All of whom are loved from the depths of their soul.
They built a home in Plymouth Ca on 40 acres when my Grandpa retired from Shell Oil.
Today they would’ve been married 69 years.
In January my Grandma went home to be with the Lord. I miss her every single day.
Grandpa misses her all the time. He says he even still looks for her.
I can’t imagine how hard today must be for him. I find myself not knowing what to do. Do I acknowledge the day and tell him how sorry I am, or do I let it pass by unmentioned in hopes that avoiding bringing it up will help him?
I know she is with angels looking down at all of us. I know she would not want us to be sad or feel lonely for her. But it’s hard Grandma, we miss your laugh, we miss your smile and all your gentle ways.
I thought I would reshare this video that I made a long time ago.
They are two of the most precious and incredible people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. They taught me how to love and how to be loved. They taught me so many things about life and that family is always paramount.
I am so thankful to still have Grandpa, and though he would tell you his days are numbered, I think he will be with us for a very long time.
Judy Carberry says
Your beautiful story about your grandparents brought tears to my eyes Wendy. Thank you for sharing this, along with the video…that’s exactly how I make my iced tea too…and I’m in Australia!
Wishing you many more happy years with your Grandpa.
Kindest regards, Judy (Aussie SU demo)
Wendy says
Thank you Judy. I woke up in the night with a nightmare regarding them. I am so close to them, as they had a huge hand in my raising. I miss her so much. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
JenniferE says
So sweet! Made my cry when I read you lost grandma in January. So very sorry. Love that you recorded this video, so stinking sweet!
Karen Kehr says
That is such a beautiful story, Wendy. My heart goes out to you today with many blessings, memories and love for your family!
Joyce Hill says
I love your stories. You should compile them into a book. (Just a thought) I’m so happy to see and hear about others spending time with their GPs. I never knew my GPs. They have so much to offer…knowledge, wisdom, and to give, especially love. I would speak to him about her. You and he are feeling sad. It may help to talk to one another. At least, that’s what my husband and I do (we both lost both of our parents and GPS). Anyway…keep up the great work. You are a great demonstrator. Thank you for sharing…
Nancy C. says
I remember watching the video of your Grandpa making his tea. I loved it. I was so close to my Grandparents as well, as my girls to my parents and now we have three granddaughter that we cherish. I’m sure it is hard for everyone without your Grandmother, but I’m sure he remembers the day like it was yesterday. My husband and I will be married 52 years in Nov. and everyday we grow closer together. Don’t be afraid to bring up good memories as that will sustain you through the sorrow. Enjoy everyday that you have with him and make more good memories for you and your children. God Bless!
Pat Hauge says
How adorable! When I was growing up there was Southern Sweet Tea at every meal. I have been a tea drinker all my life, I never liked coffee or even the smell of coffee. My kids always had tea in their baby bottles. I love Southern Sweet Tea!!! Thanks for sharing. We hit 52 years of marriage in February 2017.
Peggy Moberg says
What a precious memory you have! Thank you for sharing. My mom was born in Arkansas so southern tea sounds good to me.
God bless your Grandpa.
Babe O'Mara says
What a beautiful story. Thank God you have the wonderful memories of your precious Grandma. Thanks for taking the time to share your story. We should all be so lucky to have such wonderful people around us as we grow up. Grandparents make us feel special, that’s what they’re suppose to do and it sounds like you had the best. If I were you I would talk to Grandpa about how you miss Grandma. Remembering the things she used to do and say, these are things that you and Grandpa can share.
God bless you and your entire family.
Babe
Luz Berenguer says
Wendy what a loving story about your grandpa and grandma, brought tears to my eyes, I never got the chance to really grow with my grandparents. It’s a beautiful story. thank you for sharing. You are truly blessed. Say hi to your grandpa for me. God Bless your family…
Connie says
Beautiful story! My Dad passed just 3 weeks before their 69th wedding anniversary…. A love like these are so beautiful…..
Bobbi Olmstead says
I grew up with my Grandparents and Mom on the farm…..still miss them every day. I think if you just give him a nice long hug. ….and then another one from Grandma. I love the hint of his smile in the picture…you have look for it..but it’s there. Love you, Wendy…you’ll see them again.
Wendie says
Aw, what sweethearts. You are truly blessed. I make my tea in my Pyrex 1-qt measure too!
Donna Anderson says
You acknowledge the day….it is an important one! He knows what day it is and wants to talk about his wife and his life and you may learn something you did not know — just because you asked.
All of my parents (which include my in-laws who were so loved by me!) are gone. My only blood relative remainig on earth is my sister who has Alzheimer’s who is spending her last days very comfortably in a wonderful care facility — unfortunatuly it is in Australia where she emigrated to in 1974–not here in Alabama.
This leaves me as the only person on earth with memories of those so precious. So think about what you do not know and ask those things. He wants to share so everyone will be remembered. And look up something about WWII – undoubtedly there are things that you never asked. Did you know over100 Million people lost their lives? Look up something about the 1920s and 30s ask him if he ever ‘heard of that’ you will be surprised at what you didn’t know and so glad that you found out.
Terry Monto says
Donna, you are so right. Ask and you shall receive more than information than you thought you knew and at the same time you made that person very happy by allowing them to talk about their precious memories.
Joan Schonrock says
Wendy, thanks so much for sharing this video, of these important people in your life.–such a nice memento to have to keep. Watching it just warms my heart, makes know I’d like these people even without ever meeting them. It makes me appreciate the one set of grandparents I knew growing up (other set had died by the time I was 3), and thinking about how they influenced my life with their strong moral values and a strong religious faith, and willingness to try and understand those different from them. They had a lot to teach with their simple life, and thankfully, were a huge part of the family values I developed. It was JUST FUN to hear you chat with them.
Have a great 4th!
Carol says
Loved the story! So sweet to watch them make sweet tea! They are more modern than I am! I make sweet tea often. There is always a pitcher of tea in my refrigerator. I don’t use sweetener, just a miniscule amount of sugar. I boil the water the old fashioned way and let the tea bags seep for a while. But, you definitely need to add the sweetener while the water is hot!
Delicious says
Thank you for sharing this Sweet Story…loved it.
Kate says
I had tears, Thanks for sharing your grandparents with us. I only knew my one grandma.
Sherry in MI says
That was a lovely story, Wendy. I had similar thoughts at the end of last month. On June 27th my grandparents (both now deceased) would have been married for 100 years! I loved them both dearly and they both taught me so much. I hope that your continue to have your Grandpa for many more special years to come.
Val says
What a beautiful video. Memories of sweet tea, which we also had growing up, and sweet, sweet grandparents. Thank you for sharing this.:)
Debby Boone says
Thanks for sharing such a precious story and video.
Terry Monto says
The story is beautiful and I’m an old softy when it comes to grandparents. Having the video to share was priceless. I like you Wendy had wondered when one passes do we still acknowledge their anniversary and I would say yes and here is why. The survivor in their heart and mind are still married. They did not leave each other and know they will be reunited. My mother-in-law celebrates her anniversary even though her husband pass 20 years ago. When we do not acknowledge their anniversary it can make them feel more alone. They want to know that they have not been forgotten or their spouse. So Happy 69th Anniversary to your Grandparents! May your grandmother Rest In Peace and your grandfather rejoice in his memories. Thank you for sharing this story with us. Wendy you are truly amazing.
Pamela Wooten says
After a surrogate uncle of mine died suddenly years ago, I was telling his wife (my surrogate aunt) about a dream I’d had about him (can’t remember what it was, but something pleasant and a part of his personality). It was within in year of his death. She thanked me for telling her about it, and talking to her about my memories of him, because she said most people were scared to bring him up lest they make her remember and be sad. She said he was never out of her mind, and she missed him all the time, but that avoiding talking about him made her even MORE sad. She appreciated me bringing him up, and reminding her of his funny personality. People are different, but most seem to like to talk about loved ones. Tell him you don’t want to make him sad, and would he like to talk about her, or would he rather wait a while. He’ll appreciate you asking, and following through. Sending healing thoughts to you and your Grandpa, with hugs from Fla.
Frenchiee says
Awwwww, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful
Video, priceless,
Brought tears to my eyes , I was brought up by
My grandparents, and I’ll never forget the love they share and
Showed me , mine have been gone to the lord
My grandma 1976 and grandpa 1978
But ther in my heart forever
Again thank you and
Happy 69 years to both of them
Hugs
Frenchie
Sandi says
What a touching video tribute to your grandparents! Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to know my grandparents on my father’s side or my grandfather on my mother’s side. My grandmother on my mother’s side passed away in 1972. I never saw her very much, but I knew who she was. It is rare today for a couple to be married for 69 years. My husband and I will celebrate our 45th year together this month. Thanks for sharing your video with us! Blessings,