Apr 14, 2012

Trip To Columbia




I had the privilege of making a trip with my family to Columbia, South Carolina last week. I made a pitt stop to see my wonderful friend and college roommate, Mary Beth. We are kindred souls and always have a fabulous time together like no time has ever separated us. Next, I headed down to Cayce with the children in tow. I love the South! Spring was in full bloom and people were even starting to plant their gardens. In the city, there were farmers markets open for business along the streets with fresh produce. Off the country roads the red clay dirt peaked through fields of yellow wild flowers. I was as glad to be there, glad to be back, but wishing it were on different terms.  

Some of you know that a few weeks ago my Grandmother was placed in hospice care. Upon hearing this news I knew I had to get back and see her while she was well. I also wanted my kids to remember her house with her in it. Facing this part of life is not easy for any of us, especially the person going through it. However, she has shown so much grace and strength and remains the strong woman she has always been. After I was able to get over my apprehension, I was able to enjoy myself. What fun we had! I think I almost killed her by taking her to the zoo. Yes, that's right, we carried B.B. to the zoo (I was able to get her to use the wheel chair but oxygen tank .... NO thank you mam!) I captured many photos of her with the great grandkids and still can't believe she pulled off that trip. It just goes to prove her full-of-life personality is in full effect. 

In addition to finding activities to keep the kids happy, we took a self-guided tour of Swansea, SC. Swansea was where it all began for my Grandma. Her family moved to Swansea from Prosperity (roughly 1912?) and this small town would be where she grew up and started her own family.  I was with a living legend and asked her if anyone would know her. She honestly commented that most everyone that knew her from Swansea was dead or moved out. That's one bad part about living so long...you have to say goodbye to many friends and family and sort of make new because the rest are gone. It was a short drive through the town but I got to see my Mom's house growing up, my Grandma's house growing up, many family homes, the Boozer General Store front, and Grover's filling station. Basically my Grandma was born, raised, and started her own family in about a 5 mile radius! 

One afternoon, after some sweet tea and coconut cake, I pulled an old book out from her dining room buffet. The thing was massive in size (roughly size of a sheet of legal paper but five or six inches thick). The pages were tan brown and starting to crumble. On the first page was a newspaper cutout of a bride standing alone with a headline I couldn't stomach ....something like the town's pretties girl. Wasn't my Grandma folks, and I'm glad about that for a few reasons! I was so curious what else was inside. As I quietly skimmed through the book I saw notes and photos that were priceless and oh so story worthy! One in particular was of a handsome sailor with a sweet goodbye sentiment written underneath. He was headed off to the big world war and had to say one last farewell to his main squeeze. I hadn't heard these stories before. Time to start talking B.B.! I felt like I had just struck gold.

When I showed it to her, she asked me where I got it from and wasn't really sure what it was. I told her it looked like a young woman's scrap book and began reading some of the notes and describing some of the pictures (she has poor vision so could not really make it out herself). Turns out, it was her personal scrap book from college up until her marriage. I can't even begin to explain how charming and obviously throw-back some of these stories were. I can't wait to write about them! 

The photo I am using tonight will have to do until I get my hands on copied images from the book and the new photos I took on my mom's camera. See, I am desperate for someone else to teach my Mom how to get the images off her memory card. She just keeps buying more cards or waiting for a patient friend to help. I keep showing her how to do it, but you know those retirees, they just have to learn the hard way. Stay tuned for more. I have some fun plans ahead and am hoping time permits them.

When doing some research on Swansea, I came up with memoirs from John Joseph Howell. As I read through it, the Boozer General Store was mentioned as well as Mrs. Hill as a memorable teacher. I think I'll read his memories to Grandma and see if it sparks any memories of her own!