Allisa (my Mentor Teacher) and I do this thing with our kids called "powerful line writing" where we listen to a song or a piece of spoken word poetry and have the kids pick a powerful from the piece. They are then instructed to write the powerful line at the top of the page and then write about why that line is powerful. Our goal with this type of writing is for students to just write. There is no length requirement and what the kids write is completely self-generated. The kids turn these in and they go in their writing folders. Rarely do we grade them, but we do always read them, and let me say, I'm always humbled by what these kids write. We want to show them that writing can be therapeutic, and you often end with something you didn't have in mind when you started. The Common Core leaves little room for narrative writing, but one of the standards is to "write routinely over time" and so that's where our little powerful line exercise comes in.
Anyway, I got to pick the spoken word poem we did last week, and Sarah Kay is one of my favorites. (For those of you who are not familiar with spoken word, here is Wikipedia's definition.) I chose Sarah Kay's poem, "Hands," having no idea how much it would resonate with me.
To watch Sarah Kay's "Hands," go here. I also suggest you watch some of her other poetry, too.
I've thought a lot about this poem and the notions Kay presents in "Hands," and realized just how hand-oriented my family is. When I think about my grandma, the one thing I remember most vividly about her, other than the faint tick, tick of her pacemaker, is her hands. I remember her long fingernails that were always well groomed and how often she yelled at me for my dirty ones. She was always doing something with her hands: sewing, doing dishes, polishing silver, folding laundry, baking, cooking. One Christmas after she died I tried to make her famous pie crusts and while I was squishing the Crisco into the cup like she'd shown me, it was like her hands replaced my own. I looked down and saw her fingernails and her knuckles wrinkled with age. I remember standing back for a moment and looking at my hands to make sure they were my own. Her hands were the ones that rubbed my temples for over an hour when I had my first migraine at 11; the hands that patiently scraped shampoo out of my carpet when I spilled over half a bottle in my room; the hands that sat over a sewing machine for hours on end fixing my dance costumes or hemming pants; the hands that made my lunch each day with just the right amount of peanut butter to jelly ratio; the hands that clapped elegantly at every softball game and dance recital, and the hands that baked so many batches of cookies and cakes and pies that I couldn't count. I miss those hands.
And I think about G's hands. Grandpa's funeral was this past Saturday, and it was a hard day. I really haven't given myself time to cry- I try to stay busy so that the grief can't catch up with me, but we all know that at some point it does. Saturday was hard...really hard. I miss Grandpa so much, so much that my heart aches to have him back. I've been really angry lately- another stage of grief. I've found it hard to pray. It's not that I'm angry at God, I'm just angry at the way things work. I'm angry that life works the way it does and that people have to leave. I know that in time my heart will soften again and allow myself to hear God's faint whisper, but I'm angry right now, and that's OK.
Anyway, when I was driving back to Athens on Sunday I thought about G's hands. His hands that nursed people back to help as a navy corpsman in WWII; the hands that diligently washed chocolate out of the couch with me so that Grandma wouldn't know we both ate it before dinner when she told us not to; the swollen, arthritic knuckles from years spent hand-washing and peeling potatoes at his fast food restaurant, Jif Jiffy; the hands that build my wooden doll house piece by piece; hands that fixed every broken glass, every broken Christmas ornament; hands that figured out how to fix broken plumbing, that planted flowers and tomato plants; hands that laid each brick that lines the garden in our backyard; hands that diligently cleaned the stove when it had burn marks from Mom cooking for 14+ people each night; hands that in the last few years gripped a cane to aid his walking; hands that tickled just a little too hard, but left his grandkids and great grandkids giggling nonetheless; and hands that would grab my shoulder reassuringly, always letting me know that it would be OK.
When I think about G's hands, I think about the last moments I spent with him. He asked Courtney and I to cut his fingernails. A man of 92, whose hands had done more than I could ever imagine in his lifetime, finally came to the moment when he couldn't cut his own nails. This was 3 days before he died. At the time I did it while thinking his nails were kind of gross. After all, he'd been bed ridden for almost two weeks at this point- he couldn't wash his hands. I was struck at how swollen his hands were from his lack of dialysis. I look at cutting his nails right now and am humbled. G hated not being able to do things for himself. He yelled "ouch" once because I got too close to the skin, but then laughed after I apologized. When I finished cutting his nails he looked at me so humbly with those clear-blue eyes and said, "thanks, Vic."
Sarah Kay argues that hands tell a story, and I know they do. Every wrinkle in G's hands tells of the time he spent doing things that we take for granted- washing dishes, polishing silver, fixing a broken toy, car, or pipe, flipping pages of a newspaper, driving, brushing his teeth, playing with his kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Every wrinkle had its own unique story.
Grandpa's hands were the one that taught me how to tie up a chicken to put on the rotisserie, how to check the oil in a car, how to screw in a light bulb, how to superglue something together without getting your hands glued together, or how he taught me the right way to squeeze the juice out of a grapefruit. I still feel his hand on my shoulder as he walked by or how many times he'd see my bare feet on the couch and walk by and tickle them, telling me to put socks on because I was making him cold. I see his hands giving me a reassuring squeeze each time I was upset or angry. Oh what I would give to feel that reassuring squeeze on my shoulder or arm. I would give anything to feel that gentle squeeze again.
Oh G, you are sorely missed. I know you're in Heaven now with your beautiful wife looking down on all of us with a smile. My only comfort comes in knowing I'll see you again some day and you can squeeze my shoulder again and tell me that it will all work out in the end.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Heaven gained an angel...
Heaven gained an angel this morning. Sweet Grandpa died around 8 am today. I woke up this morning knowing it was going to happen. I overslept, spilled coffee on myself twice, and got 5 minutes away before realizing I forgot my phone, and then my gas light came on while I was still 40 minutes from RCA. It was just one of those mornings, and I felt it in my bones that G was leaving us today. As I pulled into the school parking lot (17 minutes late), I stopped for a minute and amid the raining and cloudy day the sun broke through the clouds with the rays shining everywhere, and it was like G was in the car with me, "I'll never leave, Vic," and I just knew. My supervisors have all been very nice and let me leave school today to go home.
To be honest, I don't know how I'm going to do this. I'm somewhere in the "5 stages of grief" of being in denial and angry. Not angry at God or anyone in particular, but just a little angry about the way life goes. I don't want to have to grieve again. And I'm angry that Grandpa is gone. I really can't believe he's gone; there is an aching hole in my heart. For those of you who don't know, my grandparents moved in with us about a year and a half after my dad died. Grandpa wasn't in the greatest health at that point and my mom needed some help trying to get Kristy, Jackie, and I to our various extracurricular activities (Courtney was in college at this point). I'm happy Grandpa is with Jesus and my grandma, but I'm angry that he's not going to greet me at the door anymore, or yell out some random newspaper story to me while I'm in the other room. I'm going to miss walking into the house and seeing him sit on the front porch. I'll miss chastising him for feeding Maggie from the table, and then him getting mad at her for begging so much. I'll miss his ability to super glue anything back together. I'll miss his "In the navy..." stories and his at times inappropriate jokes. And yes, I will miss his stubborn disposition, because I have definitely inherited that trait.
About two weeks ago when things got really bad, I wrote G a letter in my prayer journal. I'm sad I didn't give it to him, but I don't know how he would have responded; Grandpa wasn't one for sentimental words.
To the man who helped raise me,
You came at a time when I experienced my first kind of heartbreak- losing my daddy. I knew you as Grandpa George, the man who survived cancer, was my mom's dad, served in World War II, read the newspaper, liked to garden, and played tiger with me. I was 8, and your timing was perfect.
For the first 5 years you lived here my relationship with Grandma flourished, and I think that's because at that point in my life I needed her most, but you were always there. You insisted on buying me treats at the grocery store, and you were never afraid to have a firm hand with me- which I often resisted but almost always needed. At some point we got a little closer, and you became just "Grandpa."
When I was in 8th grade, our relationship changed forever, from that of a grandfather-granddaughter, to a real friendship. It's when you were coined "G" because you thought G stood for Grandpa, not gangsta. You became my G, and I became your V. You started a game of tag by writing "you're it" in paint on the back deck. And then there was the "I love you" game of who could say it last.
Although you always let me put barrettes in your hair and put my wet hair in your face, everything changed on Christmas day 2005; it was your 84th birthday and the day Grandma died. I went to wake you both up and Grandma didn't wake up- I'll never forget the look on your face. She was someone special to both of us. In that moment, everything changed. I'd never seen you cry before that day and we both grieved.
Well G, we didn't think you'd make it long after she died, but you made it 8 years. You told me you'd see me get my license, then see me graduate from high school, see Courtney get her PhD, and watch me graduate from college. I told you earlier today that it was ok to let go. I'd be ok if you couldn't see me get my diploma. From that day on you and I ate dinner together, just the two of us, for almost 3 years when Mom had to work late. I think in that time we got closer. You were the first person I told about my day. You picked me up from the bus stop when it was raining or too cold. You left me notes for me to see in the morning, and I'd write you a note back- I still have some of those. Within just a couple of years you went from a somewhat stranger to more like my best friend. You made sure I did my homework, and always asked me to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
I know I wasn't always easy. I was bratty, disrespectful, and snappy. But G, I don't know who I'd be without you. How many 78 year old men volunteer to help to take care of an 8 year old? The only two words I can think to say are thank you. And, I love you.
-V
There's so much more I could say. G saw me through the heartbreak of my dad's death, losing Grandma, and my first break up (with the same boy twice). G told me what outfits looked good and always gave life advice, like "watch out for sailors," because he was one. More than anything, Grandpa showed me what it looks like when a man truly loves a woman. Not many people stay married for 59 years anymore, or uphold their vows of "till death do us part," but G did. My grandma died 8 years ago, and G died still wearing his wedding ring. I can't believe I'll go home and won't see him. I sat in his room today and cried. I know he's still with me, but it doesn't make this pain lessen. I have no idea where I'd be without him, or who I'd be.
G, I love you.
To be honest, I don't know how I'm going to do this. I'm somewhere in the "5 stages of grief" of being in denial and angry. Not angry at God or anyone in particular, but just a little angry about the way life goes. I don't want to have to grieve again. And I'm angry that Grandpa is gone. I really can't believe he's gone; there is an aching hole in my heart. For those of you who don't know, my grandparents moved in with us about a year and a half after my dad died. Grandpa wasn't in the greatest health at that point and my mom needed some help trying to get Kristy, Jackie, and I to our various extracurricular activities (Courtney was in college at this point). I'm happy Grandpa is with Jesus and my grandma, but I'm angry that he's not going to greet me at the door anymore, or yell out some random newspaper story to me while I'm in the other room. I'm going to miss walking into the house and seeing him sit on the front porch. I'll miss chastising him for feeding Maggie from the table, and then him getting mad at her for begging so much. I'll miss his ability to super glue anything back together. I'll miss his "In the navy..." stories and his at times inappropriate jokes. And yes, I will miss his stubborn disposition, because I have definitely inherited that trait.
About two weeks ago when things got really bad, I wrote G a letter in my prayer journal. I'm sad I didn't give it to him, but I don't know how he would have responded; Grandpa wasn't one for sentimental words.
To the man who helped raise me,
You came at a time when I experienced my first kind of heartbreak- losing my daddy. I knew you as Grandpa George, the man who survived cancer, was my mom's dad, served in World War II, read the newspaper, liked to garden, and played tiger with me. I was 8, and your timing was perfect.
For the first 5 years you lived here my relationship with Grandma flourished, and I think that's because at that point in my life I needed her most, but you were always there. You insisted on buying me treats at the grocery store, and you were never afraid to have a firm hand with me- which I often resisted but almost always needed. At some point we got a little closer, and you became just "Grandpa."
When I was in 8th grade, our relationship changed forever, from that of a grandfather-granddaughter, to a real friendship. It's when you were coined "G" because you thought G stood for Grandpa, not gangsta. You became my G, and I became your V. You started a game of tag by writing "you're it" in paint on the back deck. And then there was the "I love you" game of who could say it last.
Although you always let me put barrettes in your hair and put my wet hair in your face, everything changed on Christmas day 2005; it was your 84th birthday and the day Grandma died. I went to wake you both up and Grandma didn't wake up- I'll never forget the look on your face. She was someone special to both of us. In that moment, everything changed. I'd never seen you cry before that day and we both grieved.
Well G, we didn't think you'd make it long after she died, but you made it 8 years. You told me you'd see me get my license, then see me graduate from high school, see Courtney get her PhD, and watch me graduate from college. I told you earlier today that it was ok to let go. I'd be ok if you couldn't see me get my diploma. From that day on you and I ate dinner together, just the two of us, for almost 3 years when Mom had to work late. I think in that time we got closer. You were the first person I told about my day. You picked me up from the bus stop when it was raining or too cold. You left me notes for me to see in the morning, and I'd write you a note back- I still have some of those. Within just a couple of years you went from a somewhat stranger to more like my best friend. You made sure I did my homework, and always asked me to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.
I know I wasn't always easy. I was bratty, disrespectful, and snappy. But G, I don't know who I'd be without you. How many 78 year old men volunteer to help to take care of an 8 year old? The only two words I can think to say are thank you. And, I love you.
-V
There's so much more I could say. G saw me through the heartbreak of my dad's death, losing Grandma, and my first break up (with the same boy twice). G told me what outfits looked good and always gave life advice, like "watch out for sailors," because he was one. More than anything, Grandpa showed me what it looks like when a man truly loves a woman. Not many people stay married for 59 years anymore, or uphold their vows of "till death do us part," but G did. My grandma died 8 years ago, and G died still wearing his wedding ring. I can't believe I'll go home and won't see him. I sat in his room today and cried. I know he's still with me, but it doesn't make this pain lessen. I have no idea where I'd be without him, or who I'd be.
G, I love you.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye
John Mayer has a song, "All We Ever Do is Say Goodbye," and sometimes I feel like that's just the story of life- saying goodbye. I wrote in my last post that Grandpa isn't doing well, and last night I had a really hard phone conversation with my mom. Grandpa, "G," has decided to go to in-home hospice care and stop having dialysis- no machines. What this really means, is that G has made the decision to say goodbye. He can, however, at any time, decide to receive dialysis again, but I think his decision has been made.
He cried. My stoic, not-so-sentimental grandpa cried when he made this decision. I cannot even fathom how difficult that was for him. In his words, "his mind has outlived his body." I called to talk to him last night, and the phone conversation lasted 2 minutes because neither of us could stop crying. What do you do when you hear your 92 year old grandpa crying? The only time I've ever seen him cry is when my grandma died 8 years ago.
Goodbye. How many times did I wish I'd had the chance to say goodbye to my dad? To my grandma? I would have leaped through fire to have had that opportunity. Yet here that opportunity is presenting itself and I don't want it. How do you say goodbye to the man who served as your surrogate father for 13 years? To the man who told you to pick yourself up, "you'll be alright," every time life knocked you down? To the 92 year old man who served in a world war, was married to the same woman for 59 years? A woman who the doctors said would never have children or live past 21? How do you say goodbye to a man who has 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren? Who worked his way through life, always making responsible choices? To a man who was Mr. Fix It, and never paid someone to fix things if he could do it himself? A man who got on the ground to play with not only his children, grandchildren, but great-grandchildren to be the "tiger" that chased us around the house? How do you say goodbye?
It's easy for me to feel like life is a series of goodbyes. I'm about to lose a third most important person in my life. I think my family and I are justified being sad and a little depressed. I have no doubt that we will make it through this- we always do. Sometimes though, it's easy to get tired of fighting. Tired of thinking "OK, let's add one more thing to my plate, one more disappointment, one more upset," but you know what? G's life was full of those moments, but he still lived it to the full.
My grandparents went on cruises with their friends at 60. They bought an RV and drove across the country. At 70+ they went down water slides. I was 11 when I came home from school to find G trying to ride my bike in the driveway (he was 82 at the time). He still cut the grass in the yard until 2 years ago. We had to hide the ladders in the house because we were afraid he'd fall off and break a bone. He didn't let the amount of goodbyes he'd said in his life keep him down.
I have felt God preparing me for this time for about a year now, but it doesn't make it any easier. Yes, I've gotten into shouting matches with G. I've snapped at him. I've been so angry I saw red. I've been rude. I've been disrespectful. But he's loved me anyway. For now, he's still kickin'. As I go home this weekend to spend time with my family, I don't want it to be sad. I plan on listening to G tell his "In the navy..." stories. I hope to laugh, because if anything, I will always remember the twinkle in G's eyes, letting us all know that he was secretly up to no good. If I make it to 92, I pray to God that I have that twinkle in my eyes, because despite the heartache of life, if I still have that twinkle, there's still something to live for.
Smile, God loves you!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
~Romans 8:28
He cried. My stoic, not-so-sentimental grandpa cried when he made this decision. I cannot even fathom how difficult that was for him. In his words, "his mind has outlived his body." I called to talk to him last night, and the phone conversation lasted 2 minutes because neither of us could stop crying. What do you do when you hear your 92 year old grandpa crying? The only time I've ever seen him cry is when my grandma died 8 years ago.
Goodbye. How many times did I wish I'd had the chance to say goodbye to my dad? To my grandma? I would have leaped through fire to have had that opportunity. Yet here that opportunity is presenting itself and I don't want it. How do you say goodbye to the man who served as your surrogate father for 13 years? To the man who told you to pick yourself up, "you'll be alright," every time life knocked you down? To the 92 year old man who served in a world war, was married to the same woman for 59 years? A woman who the doctors said would never have children or live past 21? How do you say goodbye to a man who has 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren? Who worked his way through life, always making responsible choices? To a man who was Mr. Fix It, and never paid someone to fix things if he could do it himself? A man who got on the ground to play with not only his children, grandchildren, but great-grandchildren to be the "tiger" that chased us around the house? How do you say goodbye?
It's easy for me to feel like life is a series of goodbyes. I'm about to lose a third most important person in my life. I think my family and I are justified being sad and a little depressed. I have no doubt that we will make it through this- we always do. Sometimes though, it's easy to get tired of fighting. Tired of thinking "OK, let's add one more thing to my plate, one more disappointment, one more upset," but you know what? G's life was full of those moments, but he still lived it to the full.
My grandparents went on cruises with their friends at 60. They bought an RV and drove across the country. At 70+ they went down water slides. I was 11 when I came home from school to find G trying to ride my bike in the driveway (he was 82 at the time). He still cut the grass in the yard until 2 years ago. We had to hide the ladders in the house because we were afraid he'd fall off and break a bone. He didn't let the amount of goodbyes he'd said in his life keep him down. I have felt God preparing me for this time for about a year now, but it doesn't make it any easier. Yes, I've gotten into shouting matches with G. I've snapped at him. I've been so angry I saw red. I've been rude. I've been disrespectful. But he's loved me anyway. For now, he's still kickin'. As I go home this weekend to spend time with my family, I don't want it to be sad. I plan on listening to G tell his "In the navy..." stories. I hope to laugh, because if anything, I will always remember the twinkle in G's eyes, letting us all know that he was secretly up to no good. If I make it to 92, I pray to God that I have that twinkle in my eyes, because despite the heartache of life, if I still have that twinkle, there's still something to live for.
He will always be the "G" to my "V."
Smile, God loves you!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
~Romans 8:28
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Hello 2014! (cliche title, I know)
I cannot believe that 2013 came and went. 2013 began with me recovering from my 2nd surgery to remove 2 more benign tumors from my breast, for a total of 4 tumors over 2 years (all benign, praise the Lord! And this is very common for young women, so friends, consider this a PSA to check yourselves!). 2014 was brought in with a stomach bug, which my mom thinks is the flu, even though I got my flu shot, but I always trust the nurse. I'm still recovering, but pretty bored out of my mind-there are only so many episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians that a girl can watch, you know?
2013 was certainly a whirlwind; I feel like I can't even remember it all! What I do know is how grateful I am to God for giving me another year on this earth, preparing me more and more each day to live eternity with Him someday (hopefully not soon!).
As this new year begins, it begins with a taste of something bittersweet. Grandpa, or "G", really isn't doing well, and it breaks my heart to see him this way. He went on peritoneal dialysis for his kidneys several month ago, and in an effort to get the fluid to drain, he broke several vertebrae and is in a lot of pain. So much pain, that he's barely eating or drinking. For those of you who know me well, you know how much this kills me. My grandparents moved in when I was 8, about a year and a half after my dad died, and so G has been the male influence in my life for 13 years, and it's hard for me to imagine my life without him. I have felt God preparing me for the last year to say goodbye, but that doesn't make this any easier. This winter break has been spent shedding many tears and letting G know how much I love him. Man that guy is a fighter though, and his mind is still as sharp as a tack! He is fighting to make it to my graduation in May, but several days ago I told him it was OK if he didn't want to fight anymore. Grandpa isn't a very sentimental guy, but he squeezed my hand as I told him that, so I know he understood. Regardless, it's never easy to see someone you love in so much pain, and this has really shaken my relationship with God- I think it's only normal to be angry with God when you see someone you love hurting, but I have to remember that G was and always will be God's child before he was my grandpa. I've also been showered with love and support from my friends, which is yet another reminder of how blessed I am by the people in my life.
2013 certainly had its challenges, and I had to make some pretty tough decisions, but above all it has taught me that I really can do anything through Him who gives me strength. I've survived the realization that my loved ones won't be around forever, seeing a friend go through some awful struggles, have come out on the other side of depression, and have survived the most difficult semester of my college career and gotten used to waking up at 5:30am!
2014 brings about a lot of change- I will be student teaching full time starting in about a week (YIKES), will graduate from college (kicking and screaming), and will (hopefully) start my first full-time job teaching. Who knows what else the year will hold?! With that being said, I do want to set some goals for 2014. I don't really like the word "resolution" for the new year, and goals always feel like they're more attainable to me. Here we go:
- Work out 3 times a week, bringing my gym bag in my car so I have no excuse not to exercise. I know this is cliche, but seriously, I'm such a better person when I exercise, and my waist line isn't exactly where it should be
- Eat clean in 2014! I've been reading so many articles lately about what processed foods do to our bodies, so I really want to cut all of that junk out and start eating food that's natural and comes from the earth (so really eat the things God created for our body to eat)
- By the end of 2014, I would like to have paid off at least $1,500 of my student loans- this number may change based on my budget with a job that I will hopefully get, but I'm graduating with A LOT of debt, despite going to an in-state school, having the HOPE scholarship, and living for free by working through college.
- Set aside God time every day. I notice how much I change when I don't have this time, and it's so easy to say "I'll do it tomorrow" with my busy schedule, but even if it's just for a short time, I want to spend time with God each day.
- Stick to a budget! I really struggle with this, so I need to stick to it!
- Work on my "short fuse." My sisters and I all inherited our dad's anger and his short-temper, so this is something I really want to work on in 2014.
- Really make a difference in students' lives. Enough said.
Well, despite this being a long post, I feel like I have more to write, but since I've been in bed for the last 2 days, sitting up for this amount of time is making my head pound, so for now...
Smile, God loves you!
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