Love listening to your stories, especially hearing your voice💕. I was close to my maternal grandpa too but when he drank he became very mean. It was hard for me to understand this dual personality as a child, then a teenager. I did forgive him & it was a peace for my soul. Do u remember Gordie?
You have such a lovely way with words @Shell Norman. I always get drawn into your writing. Families and the inter-relationships within them are such complex things ... As are our memories of them.
So much of what you describe mirrors some of my memories of my grandparents, the card games, the care for animals maybe in preference to humans. It’s so difficult not to be judgemental, but we never get the full story do we? Memories fade, stories become exaggerated and we maybe only remember what we want to remember.
You're such a beautiful writer, @Shell Norman. You pulled me in at the park, feeding the pigeons. I love the way you intertwine the universal with the specific. I've read your wonderful book, "My Father's Daughter," of course, so I know the characters. Now, on this substack, you're continuing to sketch out the colors. 🥹
It’s all so complex. I have similar stories of grandparents and parents. To truly know the truth of the experience is almost completely outside the realm of human ability. Even relationships I have been personally part of are sometimes impossible to discern the truth of an experience. I think that is one reason why Jesus is so adamant about forgiveness. None of us know the truth of the heart of another. Only good does and that’s where I have to leave it
Loved the story. Reminds me of my grand father and also makes me want to be an example to my grandkids. Jeff J
Yes— I am motivated the same. Thanks for your comment 🙂
Shell, sorry that my comment, meant to be a "mound" of red ants, was "spellchecked" to "young" of red ants. Technology.
Your mother taught you something profound. What a superpower it is to forgive.
You are right about that!
Love listening to your stories, especially hearing your voice💕. I was close to my maternal grandpa too but when he drank he became very mean. It was hard for me to understand this dual personality as a child, then a teenager. I did forgive him & it was a peace for my soul. Do u remember Gordie?
I do indeed!
Shell, the memories you stir up with this piece, and your book, uncover a young of red ants for my psyche. Thank you.
Is there a book coming about your grandpa? Or your mom?
Ha I can’t quite think of another book just yet as I work to get this current one out there 😉 But maybe someday. Thank you for spurring me on!
You have such a lovely way with words @Shell Norman. I always get drawn into your writing. Families and the inter-relationships within them are such complex things ... As are our memories of them.
So much of what you describe mirrors some of my memories of my grandparents, the card games, the care for animals maybe in preference to humans. It’s so difficult not to be judgemental, but we never get the full story do we? Memories fade, stories become exaggerated and we maybe only remember what we want to remember.
You're such a beautiful writer, @Shell Norman. You pulled me in at the park, feeding the pigeons. I love the way you intertwine the universal with the specific. I've read your wonderful book, "My Father's Daughter," of course, so I know the characters. Now, on this substack, you're continuing to sketch out the colors. 🥹
I’m always grateful for your encouraging words! They spur me on. 💗
It’s all so complex. I have similar stories of grandparents and parents. To truly know the truth of the experience is almost completely outside the realm of human ability. Even relationships I have been personally part of are sometimes impossible to discern the truth of an experience. I think that is one reason why Jesus is so adamant about forgiveness. None of us know the truth of the heart of another. Only good does and that’s where I have to leave it
Amen to that!