This next blog is dedicated to my grandparents - on both sides.
My dad's parents passed away right after we moved to Tridell, but there are many memories I had spending time with my Merkley Grandparents. One thing I will never forget is my Grandma Merkley's love of Spam, sardines and pig's feet. She only made me eat Spam when she cooked it for breakfast - thank heavens! I don't know what I would have done with sardines and pig's feet, I would feel sick just watching my mother purchase it at the store! :)
My Grandpa Merkley was always such a kind and quiet man to me. I remember his moustache and helping him check on the garden or feed his chickens. I also remember him playing his harmonica when I was a child and I have loved the sound of one ever since.
I found out through a reunion about 2-3 years ago that my grandmother was a prankster and also a beautiful singer. My love for my grandparents, but most importantly my grandmother grew for me when I found that out! I remember when they made a tape of just the two of them singing the "Thank you" song and other simple children's songs... I would listen to it for hours just because I loved hearing them sing.
I was always told that I looked like my dad's mother and when we moved to Tridell, I was often called "Little Esther." I didn't think that I looked anything like my grandmother until I went to college... I was at my cousin LoriAnn's house and there she had a picture of our Grandmother Esther Merkley around my same age and I immediately got goosebumps! I was staring at a picture of me - the only difference was the style of hair... I love to see that picture because each time I am surprised over how much I really do look like her. I am proud to be called "Little Esther!"
My mother's parents live in Sunset, right next to the train tracks. I grew up with them always making sure we had plenty of coloring books and crayons while visiting. I loved to visit and play the piano, I felt so accomplished when I was able to play a simplified hymn and grandma came and told me that I played beautifully. With my grandmother being a twin and having the two of them so close - I feel like I have been given two Grandma Harvey's. I remember at one of the birthday celebrations, I was really young and went up to my Grandma and asked her a question. When she leaned down to me and told me that she was Aunt Veon - I remember being really confused and she just said that it was okay and pointed Grandma out - it was really embarrassing that I couldn't even tell my own Grandmother apart! :)
I loved sitting outside in their backyard and having Grandpa Harvey name off the airplanes flying overhead - he was always right! I always love going to their house, even now, there is always some sort of food to eat and I always feel so much love. I always have to go and check to see if I have grown at all since my last visit - nope. I will then go and see all the birthday's they have placed on their huge calendar! I feel so special to see my name in September - I just love it! Also, how can I forget the beautiful quilt my grandmother made for my 16th Birthday - purple and perfect!!
I am extremely fortunate to have grandparent's who did an excellent job in raising their children, my parents! I think it is hilarious when I see my mother or father do something that I remember my grandparents doing.
To my grandparents - I thank you! I love you! I hope to be the kind of grandparents you have been to me!
