During this past week, I realized that I had spent quite a bit of time reflecting on my Grandmother. I’m pretty sure that Mother’s Day plans, discussions, & celebrations all attributed to this.

She was a remarkable woman who influenced my life from a baby until I was fourteen, and her words and actions still impact me today. Her nuggets of wisdom and encouragement would motivate and guide me. I can still hear her say, “You can be whatever you put your mind to…” These words to a skinny, fuzzy-haired kid who lacked confidence, was powerful!

This Be Inspired series is about finding your dream and how you can be an inspiration to others. I think it’s also important to remember those who inspired us and how they touched our lives.

So my questions to you are 1) Who inspired you? & 2) What are a couple of things they said or did that impacted you? If you have a moment, please share as I’d like to hear about it.

Below is a poem I wrote about my grandmother which I had submitted for publication last year, but it did not make the cut. I admit that it had been eons since I had written a poem so it was not perfect, but it does convey the love and inspiration she had (and still has) in my life. Enjoy!!

Thank you for your time. Be Blessed… LR Maddox

Gifts of Love from My Grandmother
She was known to all her grandchildren as Granny,
But I would call her “Gran” because she was great and grand lady.

She told me of God’s love, grace, and mercy while sharing her life’s story, 
It built in her a faith so strong that she always gave Him the glory.

A covenantal love she forged with God many years ago,
Was stamped by promises that neither would let go.

Numerous gifts she passed along that were so precious to me,
Each was a treasure of her love and became a legacy.

Church we would attend on Sunday morning and the prayer meeting each Wednesday night,
Plus tent revivals we were taken to heal my brother of asthma and poor eyesight.

Education was important and an elementary teacher was her career,
She spent a month each summer preparing us for the next school year.

Discipline was enforced, acting up, talking back, and lying was forbidden,
And after a couple of pops on the tush, you would ask to be forgiven.

Encouragement she constantly gave me because I was very shy,
Trust God, work hard, have confidence, and do not doubt just try.

Gardening she taught so we understood the importance of eating fresh fruits and veggies,
Although helping to water plants and working in the dirt was great fun for us kiddies.

Cooking was southern and “Oh My” the desserts she would make,
Peach cobbler, banana pudding, and my favorite the sock-it-to-me cake.

Gran’s humor was contagious and our laughter rang out as if on cue,
Like when she sang her ditty, “I ran that red light” after her Dodge Charger blew right through.

Birthdays were never forgotten nor the first day of each school year,
Each time she would sing, “Granny’s little baby…” which is something I still hold dear.

Getaways for us grandkids were special breaks from school work and chores,
A park, the beach, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm were places to enjoy outdoors.

Hugs she frequently gave, wrapped in her arms and held tight,
To express her adoration for me along with her delight.

It was on Valentine’s Day when I was fourteen that Gran went up to Heaven,
There was so much I wanted her to experience with me that I wished more time had been given.

But I’m thankful for these gifts of love stored securely in my heart,
And have passed them along to both of my children and to a grandson I now impart.

Of Gran’s treasures, one gift is priceless, its worth beyond compare for
Each person down her family tree has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

My prayer is, “God please bless me to be a Grandmother like she was and more,
To share with my descendants the gifts of love from the woman I still adore.”