Ginny Graham, better known as Granny, lived in St. Louis with me for the first part of my life. I can still remember going over to her condo and playing basketball, swimming, and rollerblading. She was, and is, so supportive of everything I've done. Often times while talking to her I'll learn something cool, like how she and my grandfather once shook Martin Luther King Jr.'s hand. She is 95, still up and moving, and is an active member of her community.
My favorite part about Granny is how freely she gives love. Even after moving to KC, she has continued to love me. Within the last 15 years, I'd estimate that she's written me close to 100 cards. Though I'd like to say I'm a fantastic grandson, I'll admit that many of these cards go unanswered. And yet, she writes. She doesn't love me just so she can get something in return. Granny loves me for me. Out of everyone on this Earth, I can't think of a single person that has pursued me as relentlessly as Granny. In a world where affection seems to be transactional, Granny has shown me that I have value because of who I am, not what I do.
When I think about the steadfast love of God, I think about a love that is not conditional. I think about the love that Granny shows me. Granny often tells me that I would have loved to meet her husband Warren. Unfortunately, he passed when I was really little and I have no memories of him. He was a pastor and had a love for sharing the gospel. Though I'm sad that I didn't get a chance to meet him in this life, it's cool to think of who he must have been to have won over Granny.
Dorothy Pingel is better known as Grandma. She's just as amazing. Having ten kids couldn't have been easy, but she makes it look easy. She truly is the head of the family. Grandma brings people together. That's just who she is. At 96, she continues to be a great sister, mom, grandma, and great-grandma.
When I moved away to college, Grandma moved into my old room. When I'd head home for the holidays, she'd always be there to talk about life. I don't think I always realized how wise, loving, and strong she was; it's hard to recognize those things when you're young. I'm thankful to recognize them now. Practically every time I sit down with her, I write a few of her quotes down that I'd like to remember. Though I could write down a million reasons why I love her, I think I'll let her words speak for themself.
On age...
“How could you not have a great day when you only hit 94 once?” -DP on 94th birthday
“How could you not have a great day when you only hit 95 once?” -DP on 95th birthday “How could you not have a great day when you only hit 96 once?” -DP on 96th birthday
“Age is just a matter of the mind, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.”
"I think old age is not for the weak, it's for the strong."
"How do you think I got this old? I just didn't give up!"
“I haven't abdicated yet.”
"I choose to be happy every day. Wake up, got a pulse in my arm, and can figure out my priorities. I guess I should say I'm pretty lucky. Actually, I'm pretty blessed. I might forget a few things every now and then, but that's not too bad."
On Reading...
"A good book is like fine china: to be appreciated and treasured."
"I can open a book anywhere and find a paragraph that I like."
"A good rule of thumb is never to give up on a book in the first chapter. I read at least four chapters."
"'Tis easy enough to be pleasant, When life flows along like a song; But the man worthwhile is the one who will smile when everything goes dead wrong." (A quote from a poem she really likes)
On Faith...
"Once a pastor told me, you only love God as much as you dislike someone else, and I've seen that it's true."
"I'd rather care about where my soul is going than where my body is going."
"I admit one thing, you gotta have faith. If you don't have faith you're not gonna get through."
"I think sometimes it’s hard to see the God that lives within each of our souls."
On Humor...
"I don't take an umbrella half the time, I figure I won't melt."
“We’ll just compromise and do it my way.”
*walks in on grandma sewing and I tell her I like the music* "I'm trying some jazz today. It gets me in the mood."
On life...
"There are so many good words in the world, I don’t understand why anyone would use nasty language."
"You know, when I look out in the world and see someone being obnoxious, I wonder if they’re hurting. Or if they’re doing the best they know how. I think that I’ve decided that people do the best they know how."
"People change and life changes so you have to be open to a new road."
After I pointed out that the sun was shining right in her eyes, "Better to be in my eyes than not there at all"
And my personal favorite.
"Have the courage to be imperfect."
Thank you, Granny and Grandma, for being beacons of hope for those around you. Thanks for sharing a piece of Jesus with me. I don't say it enough, but I love you both. Thanks for giving me the courage to be imperfect.
Love,
Matthew
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