As I go about my days, I am constantly reminded of the people who make me the person I am. So today I decided to tell you about these special people. First there is Dick and Nancy Armstrong and their three daughters Cindy, Cherie, and Christine. I met them when I was 15 years old, you notice I did not tell you how long ago in years that was! My best friend Jane Gallaway was babysitting for the girls and she needed someone to fill in for a couple of weeks while she went on vacation. Fortunately for me, unfortunate for Jane, I became the full time sitter from there on. I babysat the girls every chance I could, even going up north for weekends. By the time the girls were old enough to babysit, they were babysitting for my children. When Cindy got married, I was her Matron of Honor!!!! Nancy was with me at the hospital when Trisha was born and is her God Mother. When they thought I was too skinny, they moved me into the basement apartment at their house. There has never been a time in my life since I was 15 that they were not there, good times and bad times. In December of 2008, Dick had to have a double bypass heart surgery and as I watched him struggle with the ventilator, I struggled with my fear of losing the man who loved me more than I would ever know. Thankfully, he came through with flying colors. Nancy and Dick are now enjoying some warm weather in Florida. To say they are family would be an understatement. I love them all very much.
Speaking of Jane, she is now Jane Mayott. Jane and I have remained friends from the day we met in 8th grade. We both got married, moved away from home, and still remained friends. I had not talked to Jane in awhile when I ran into her at my son's Scott's school. I was walking down the hall and I heard behind me "Carolyn-I would know that butt anywhere!" Sure enough, there was Jane, a teacher at Fulton High School. She even was Scotty's teacher. I always laugh when I remember her telling me that she told him that if he acted up in class, she would tell everyone how she had changed his diaper as a baby!!! Jane has always rejoiced with me during the good times, and held me up during the bad times. She is a wonderful Christian woman and I am so thankful for her friendship.
My Grandma Agnes Marr also taught me alot about life. Grandma was always PROPER. By that I mean, I never saw her in pants, or with her hair messy. She was always dressed to the nines, hair perfect, soft spoken and impeccable manners. She taught me how to be a lady. We lived with Grandma and Grampa the year I was in 4th grade because my mother took care of Grandpa until he died. We had to be very quiet all the time and grandma taught me how to embroidery. I still hand embroidery to this day. I have become less proper though, giving up on stucking in my shirt and such, but there is never a day that I do not think about something she taught me.
I would be remiss if I did not mention my husband Scott. He certainly has made me a better woman, wife and mother. I have loved him since I was 14 years old!!!!! Scott works long hard days driving Semi to provide for us so that I can be just the grandma.
Of course there are the grand kids. They have tried my Patience, swelled my heart, made me laugh and made me cry. They have made me realize that being a grandma is the best job in the entire world. I am paid with wet kisses, big hugs, I love yous. I am rich.
