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This poem was written for a special
"family" page at MyFamily.com, for
members or our family only. But, I
have been given permission to use it here.
My daughter Kim wrote it about her
Grandmother Ruth and her Grandaddy Grady.
That is the Grady and Ruth in the poem.
All of it is quite true, and for those
who knew and loved them, it is a
wonderful "jog" to our memories and
tribute to two wonderful people.
I saw it all... these many memories you recall.
What a life it was!
As I remember all the laughter and all the talk,
the chatter and children running past.
But I never failed to stand tall.
I had my duties, for which I was made to do.
Complying was easy, I had been built strong.
But I always kept watch over that younger crew.
With each year that passed and all the children grew.
Each found a love and married,
meaning more children to pursue.
Grady and Ruth had grand children now,
a new generation to teach.
Maybe, one would grow
and want to help with the farm.
Who knew what the future would bring.
Or, the wonders that God would allow.
So, Grady had his work "cut out",
the grand children to spoil and teach.
And with eyes wide open,
sparkling with delight,
the children listened to every word
(mostly waiting for a treat).
A ride on the tractor
or just a walk down the road.
Listening to Grady tell his tales,
it was a treat you know.
But those kids were in heaven,
whenever Grady mentioned "the store".
Holidays were the best times for me,
because everyone was there.
I can see Grady now, sitting at the table.
Laughing and chatting
but never leaving his chair.
It was Ruth on the go.
Trotting from the kitchen to the table.
You never let her rest.
She's the one who taught
the children how to fish.
To be patient and
just how that line should throw.
And, what "fish fries" you had!
Barbeques too! And yes,
I was there
enjoying as much as you.
I've seen it all...
like the "fly on the wall".
And, wow, the stories I could tell.
I've seen laughter turn to tears.
But after so many years,
Is anything always happy and well?
Some are guessing and
some may already know.
Just who I am...and I'll forever flow.
For those who may be wondering,
I know the gentle touch of Ruth's hands.
I've cooled you to quench a thirst
and found pleasure joining you in a meal.
I'm a simple small thing
yet I've always been there for you.
I just want to be remembered
or leave you with a smile or two,
just as most people do.
I am the blue tea pitcher,
always around and
with a fantastic view.
No person or family is cherished,
as much as I will forever cherish you.
Written as "Anon" January 14, 2000
by: Jean
I want to dedicate this page to my wonderful Mother in law
and Father in law, Ruth and Grady. They have both been
gone on to their reward for quite a few years now, but
live on in our memories. They raised 8 children, and it
was always lively out at "the farm" and we all loved it.
Since their deaths, and in our MyFamily site, we have
all referred to them by their first names instead of
the more formal Grandmother and Grandaddy that
was used. My husband was their oldest child and one
of two boys. His only desire upon the death of his
Mother, was the blue pitcher which Kim wrote about
here. I think to all of us, it is "Ruth". I know I can't look
at it without seeing her holding it and running around
that big table to pour more tea. It was a gallon sized
pitcher, and earthenware, so very heavy. She was not
5 feet tall. That pitcher is on display in my dining room
and it is almost like a tribute to the wonderful woman
who was my Mother in law.
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