TRIBUTE TO MY GRANDPARENTS

I was driving home one afternoon and heard the song "In Living Color" and all I could think about was my Grandpa Schoppa. As the words of the song flowed out of my speakers, snapshots of old pictures of my grandparents were flying through my head.

I was very very blessed with two spectacular sets of grandparents. Completely different, but each had a profound impact on my life. My Grandma Schoppa taught me to sew and to cook and to be patient. She was a cuddler and was my "safe spot" when the world was too close. Being the wife of a farmer is not an easy life, often taking its toll on a lady's appearance, but she was always put together and lovely. My Grandpa Schoppa was a quiet man who taught me to two-step. He had perfect teeth and was an incredibly handsome man. Very soft spoken and allowed me go on every tractor ride I wanted, regardless of how slow it made his progress in the fields. Taught me to drive at 8 years old (not because it was the cool Grandpa thing to do, but needed my help hauling irrigation pipe).

Recently, someone asked me how I knew what I wanted to do when I declared my major in college. My answer, "I wanted to dress up everyday and go to an office like my Grandma Parks", thus my career in print sales. http://tony-shellygraham.blogspot.com/2008/08/mary-cue-agnew-parks-november-28-1922.html She was a beautiful lady who loved pretty clothes and the finer things in life. She taught me how to eat at a formally set table and reminded us grand kids frequently on our manners. With that being said, she also had an infectious giggle. My Grandpa Parks was a serious man who would tell you exactly what was on his mind and didn't take shit off anyone. His nickname, "Old Ironass". However, that tough exterior came crumbling down when it came to his wife. The love that passed between those two was almost tangible.

All of my grandparents have passed on. My Grandpa Parks died in the spring of 94 and my Grandparents' Schoppa died 4 days apart in the fall of 94 of unrelated incidences. What a terrible year, but time has healed those wounds and now fond memories and laughter fill my head when I think of these 4 people.

Enjoy!