The Gift of a Memory

Hey Ya’ll,

You know, I realize this blog has turned into more of a series of reflections than updates on renovations.  But I’ve got to tell you, that is more of what this has become – a series of reflections of my life rather than a “run-of-the-mill” restoration.  I promise there will be pictures with this update though. 

As I sit here on my grandmother’s – my – front porch and look out over the tranquility of a Southern Evening, I can’t help but reflect on the past two years since her passing.  I’m awestruck with a forbearance knowing she is in a place of perfection – Paradise, and yet a turbulence of curiosity fueled by questions I beg to ask her each day.  I’ve struggled with this past week, knowing today marks two years.  I’ve struggled with an attempt to find words to convey what it means to me.  But somehow, words never seemed to be a problem on her front porch.  Conversations seemed to flow easier in the peace of her home; they were typically exchanged over a fresh cup of coffee and maybe a piece of pecan pie with no one but the birds to hear our conversations and keep our secrets.  

Every day I find a new question I wish to ask my grandmother.  They surface from the very depth of every Christian’s heart to those of a fearful grandson.  I want to ask her what is it like to see the face of God – to touch His hand and call His name?  What is it like to hear His voice and to see your name roll from His very lips?  What is it like to see His smile when you play the piano? What is it like to hug your daddy’s neck again, and see your mother who died when you were eight? And then there are the daily foolish questions I want to ask her. Do these sheets need to be washed on the delicate cycle? How do I change the bag on your vacuum cleaner? How do you thread the bobbin on your sewing machine? I wrote down your recipe for peanut brittle from memory, but can you tell it to me again? Just one more time? 

I look at her house – my house – and all the changes I’ve made.  I want to ask her are you happy? Do you like this color? Is it okay if I put this picture here? Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to know that she is as happy with her house as I am.  But though the paint colors have changed and the carpet is new, I still look at every wall and see it just as the way she had it.  I remember sleeping in the beds in each of these rooms.  I remember playing with my uncle’s toys in her basement.  I remember learning her recipes over her kitchen counter.  I remember all of the Fourth of Julys that were celebrated on this carport beneath the ceiling fan that illuminates the darkness now.  I remember the comfort, the grace, and the welcomed feeling that was extended to every person that ever sat on this porch.  I remember the easy conversations that were had in the very chair in which I sit as I type this.  I remember the wisdom that was shared and the compassion that was given to me over all those cups of coffee.  

And then I smile – I smile because I’m happy.  I smile because I know that I have a lifetime of my own memories to build in this house.  I smile because I am Betty’s grandson, and it is my honor to continue to extend that welcome to others and that compassion that was given to me.  I smile because this isn’t just my house – it is my home – and was a home to my family.  It was where my mother grew up – where my grandmother lived – where I have so many precious memories.  All are a gift.  It is truly a gift to look in every corner and see a memory, touch that memory, hear it, and taste it.  The appearance of my home may change, but the compassion and Southern hospitality that built this home never will.  And the memories that were formed throughout the forty years this house has stood will never fade.  Each one is a gift, and they are why I smile. 

Warm Southern Days,

Russ

New carpet for my bedroom.  All in all, the total cost for the carpet in all three of the bedrooms was $1,200.  This included the cost of the carpet (80 square yards), padding, and installation.  

 Guest room number one before. 

 Guest room number one after.  This furniture belonged to my paternal grandparents and was passed on to me by my cousin Cassy. It looks absolutely stellar in this bedroom. 

 A better view of the bed.

 New posts for the front of the house.  The old planters are also gone, and the yard has been scraped down in preparation for new landscaping.