After reading a beautiful poem about a grandmother, memories of both my grandmothers flooded my mind.

We called my mother’s mother Nana. We called my father’s mother Grandma Peekie Boo. I was named after both of them. No my name is not Nana Peekie Boo.

It was my first Mother’s Day. My infant daughter was two months old. I was still trying to adjust to motherhood and at the same time my hormones were still trying to get back to normal. I didn’t get a present from my daughter through my husband and that wasn’t a good thing. Tears started streaming down my cheeks in a steady flow that wouldn’t stop.

My Nana in her frail state went to her bedroom and came out with a present for me to ease my pain-a beautiful dress. My Nana’s love and generosity eased the pain and her words of comfort blessed me. I had five months of her loving kindness before she home to heaven.

Grandma Peekie Boo was a master at crocheting. She was so good at it that she could sleep while crocheting and never miss a stitch. Grandma created beautiful masterpieces. She taught me to crochet.

The last time I spent time with Grandma Peekie Boo was when I was taking her to New York to visit her sister when I was sixteen. We traveled by train all night. I’d fallen to sleep when The Lord awakened me. Grandma was trying to get ready for bed by beginning to undress. I was able to stop her.

It was difficult to stay awake and found myself being awakened again. This time she had undressed further. I had to take Grandma to the restroom to get her redressed. That wasn’t an easy task because I had to balance and hold her up and keep the both of us from falling. I struggled to stay awake after that because I was afraid Grandma would completely disrobe the next time.

We made it to New York without further incident. After a day of recuperating I boarded a train back home alone. That was the last time I saw Grandma Peekie Boo before she went to heaven.

I’m thankful to have been named after two great women of God. They left a legacy that I’m proud of and I’m forever grateful.

Who or what are you thankful for today?