Tomorrow ( Sunday ) our family will have a picnic at Victoria Bryant State Park to celebrate some NINE November/December birthdays, following the guidelines of the CDC. It will be different in some ways, but not in the way that counts : being together as a family, a tradition that, hopefully, will never die.
Back in the day when I was a very young first-year teacher, teaching English at Winder-Barrow High School, I learned to appreciate the poetry of Robert Browning. The poets so often say it best, and Browning was a master.
One of my favorite lines is from a poem of his, ” Pippa Passes “, and it’s simply said , but with profound meaning. ” GOD’S IN HIS HEAVEN; ALL’S RIGHT WITH THE WORLD “. Later, as principal of Franklin County High School, I often started or ended the school day with this quote on the intercom, just as a reminder ……….
But that is not Browning’s line that I am remembering today, but, rather, his quote from ” Rabbi Ben Ezra ” . ” GROW OLD ALONG WITH ME; THE BEST IS YET TO BE “. Not words that young adults would give much thought to, but that speak loudly and clearly to this grandmother of six.
Which brings me to the first of my journey with grands: Isaac’s birth in DC, June, 1994, followed in six months by Haley Sue’s arrival. And then within the next couple of years, they came, TWO-BY-TWO, just like Noah and his ark ! For this ” only-child ” grandmother, it was amazing, overwhelming, and surreal. I couldn’t conceive of such a legacy.
But it was—-and is—-for real. Isaac is an ordained Presbyterian minister; Haley Sue is a music therapist; John Luther is a senior law student at UGA; Will has just completed his MBA ; Lucy co-teaches middle school science ; C’Lee is employed in the Academic Enhancement department at UGA. I continue to be six times blessed while clearly understanding that this journey is far from over, and the path can become treacherous.
And so it began. And so it continues as we gather together, holding fast to those virtues that bind a family : love, respect, tolerance, and patience———-a whole lot of patience !!!!!
Am I a proud and happy grandmother ? You betcha……………
And so I challenge each of you to appreciate the moment, enjoy your journey, and ” GROW OLD ALONG WITH ME; THE BEST IS YET TO BE “.
Scroll down to COMMENT, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my random scribblings !
What makes me Grumpy
Company’s that want you to pay on line to save stamps, Paper because of the tree’s, Security Reasons.
But when you get ready to Print out the conformation on what you have paid, you hit the print button and they want you to print all of the pages, 2 pages out of 3 are not need or have really nothing that is worth reading.
Ben Hawkins
Sweet❤️
Beautiful words of birthday wisdom that only a loving, caring grandmother could write!
Great ramblings about our crazy family!
Love reading about these blessings in the form of young adults! I know they appreciate the way they are treasured by you.
Love all the Toneys, everyone!
Ruth
It was a lovely day of family and celebration.
I am always thrilled when blogs are measured with the yardstick of poetry. I love those quotes and I know the Sunday afternoon at Victoria Bryant Park will be special for you and everyone attending.
I am so proud of them!
I enjoyed reading your blogh especially since you talked about your family and that subject truly interests me.
You and Byon are blessed with a beautiful family and Chappell and I were blessed also. God is so good and I thank and praise His name every day. On Nov. 5, 2020 , my 12th great-grandchild was born in Atlanta to Randy,Jr. and Sarah.
Thank you for all Your news of interest for everyone to read during these hard days.