03/09/2025
I remember…
Ganny picking me up from school one random day in first grade. It had been raining and as we walked to the car, hand in hand, she proceeded to jump in a giant puddle and she got me soaking wet.
I was surprised, a little angry and totally confused as to why she would do such a thing. Then I looked up at her smiling down at me and it all made sense. That’s how she was. That’s how she is. A wildcard. She is a peculiar combination of innocent mischief, sprinkled with charm and a deep, different kind of love- all masqueraded behind a southern, lullaby-like accent that leads you to assume she is some well-behaved woman.
She ain’t.
After the puddle hopping incident, Ganny took me to a thrift store and let me select a new-to-me, dry outfit and I’ll never remember what we did next.
But I will always remember that moment.
In a way, I’d like to think this little moment became a referenced recipe for a way to interact with the world; slow-cooked and simmered with delight, a dash of unpredictability paired with a cup of sweetness. This moment taught me that it’s always wise to look for a weird way to imprint some sort of happiness on someone’s heart.
As my Ganny’s mind fades and she struggles to put her thoughts together- I hold on tight to these moments. Her funny ways. Her smile. Her love.
I hold on tight and hope I always remember.
