This morning I woke up at 7 am and decided to pull my hair back, head to Starbucks, and go for a drive. It was a beautiful California morning. I rolled my windows down and headed to this secluded area that reminds me of where I grew up. It's crazy, you take one turn and it feels like you just entered Tooele!
I expected to be put in to a good mood with my radio turned up loud and the cool breeze on my face, what I didn't expect is the memories that came rushing back when the song "Grandpa" came on. You see, this song holds special meaning to me. It has been a part of my life since I remember. My mom listened to it when I was young and always told me how it reminded her of my great-grandfather. When my grandma was dying, she would listen to this song on her portable CD player over and over.
I've always loved the words to "Grandpa", they touch my heart and unlock memories of my childhood that I seem to forget until I hear this melody. They are not just memories though, it's the feeling that comes along with the memories ... the way I felt back then, like I have stepped back in time and nothing has changed.
I have to admit, this morning I had a severe cry spell. I always hesitate to write blogs like this and admit to anyone that I am a very sensitive person. Through the years, I have put up walls and it takes a lot for me to let people in. But as time goes by, I realize that being this way is not a bad thing. I truly value what I believe, matters in life ... people, relationships, love. If someone judges me for being what they call, preachy, self-righteous, or overly sensitive, so be it; to each their own.
I am writing this blog because I want to share some of my favorite memories; the ones that mean the most to me. The ones that came along with the song I heard this morning. If not for my friends, but for my beautiful family that I know shares them with me. I'm so glad I took that drive. It's been awhile since I've counted my blessings and truly, I have been given many. Here a few of my best memories:
*Neighborhood garage sales on Crest Circle. Our parents trying to get rid of clutter by getting rid of our old toys, only to come home with more because we wanted all of the toys at the other people's sales. The hot sun on grandma's driveway and the big tree with funky fuzzy maroon flowers.
*Picking raspberries at Grandpa Harvey and Grandma Alloween's, the big field behind their house where we would steal peaches, and the mean boys that lived next door.
*Grandma taking me to Penney's when I was a kid and buying me those little plastic purses with sunglasses.
*Allen's foods in Tooele, the old stools at the counter and the smell of cake.
*Grandma Alloween's roses.
*Grandma Carla eating her bowl of cherries or fresh tomatoes with salt.
*Grandpa Howard and his popcorn and westerns. Oh yea, and his numerous complaints of "stink pretty."
*Laying out in the backyard with Grandma while she tanned, ONLY HER LEGS FROM THE KNEE DOWN.
*I remember my mom writing the words to "Grandpa" down, I believe it was either when my great grandma was sick, or my great grandpa had died. She was sitting in the living room and kept pausing the song over and over to get the exact words.
*I remember how this song seemed to put grandma at ease in her finals days. It's the one she asked me for multiple times. Even the look on her face changed, I could tell that it was her escape.
Finally ... here are the words to the song.
Lyrics | Judds lyrics - Grandpa (Tell Me 'bout The Good Old Days) lyrics
