A Poem About My Mother-in-law / Toni Houston (Daughter-in-law)
I wrote this poem about Grandma when I lived with her and Granddaddy after we returned from Georgia. I was most amused about her naps. No matter what time of day she went to sleep she always said she was taking a nap. I often found myself saying to my four children, shhh, don't wake up Grandma!
GRANDMA Up at four to excercise. We're asleep, haven't opened our eyes. Shhh, don't wake up Grandma! Goes to work everyday On the Metro subway. Shhh, don't wake up Grandma! Computer keyboard, easy to punch. Water the plants, now out to lunch. Shhh, don't wake up Grandma! Home from work, but not for long. Soon she'll join the shopping throng. Shhh, don't wake up Grandma! Buying here, returning there. Charging, charging everywhere. Shhh, don't wake up Grandma! Ring, ring-a-ling, telephone. No, I'm sorry she's not at home. Shhh, don't wake up Grandma! Home again and in the kitchen. Make a meal from nothing like a magician. Shhh, don't wake up Grandma. "I'm so tired"' she finally said. "Guess I'll give it up and go to bed". Shhh, don't wake up Grandma!
Life with Grandma / Renee Biswell (Grandaughter)
My life changed when we moved from Georgia to go and live with Grandma. My memories are filled with time spent with Grandaddy and Grandma and their three dogs, Ginger, Scruffy, and Bear. My cousins coming over to play and going to Washington Christian School. Those were fun times! Every summer Grandma would take us on a trip to the beach and we always had a blast. Grandma loved to have us around and we loved to be with her. Waking up on Saturdays to go to Shoppers Food Wharehouse with Grandma and Grandaddy was the highlight of the weekend. I remeber when Grandma had to go to Japan and I desperately did not want her to leave. I tried to keep a stiff upper lip about it but I knew I could not go and ask her if she would bring me back a parasol because I would not be able to speak without crying so I wrote her a note and stuck it in her suitcase in hopes that she would find it. She did and she brought me back a rice paper parasol that I still have and cherish today. That was the same feeling I had when Grandma died I did not want her to go but I knew she had to only this time I would have asked her to bring herself back.
I miss her laugh and her hugs and her wisdom. Grandma taught me so much and never even had to say anything to me. I learned about real friendship from her just by growing up and seeing her friendship with Miss Maxine. She taught me how to be devoted to the Lord. She taught me how to make pancakes and stuffing. She taught me to value my family and about forgiveness. Mostly, she taught me about love.
Renee Biswell Close
My aunt Bobbie / Kazetta Houston-King (niece)Read >>
My aunt Bobbie / Kazetta Houston-King (niece)
My aunt Bobbie was a lovely woman full of joy, life, activity and wisdom. although we all miss her, her words of encouragement, love and knowledge linger in our herts and minds! Until we meet at Jesus' feet, aunt Bobbie. love always, Kazetta Close
My Dearest Sweetest Mother / Valorie Akuffo (Daughter) My Mom was a phenomenal mother and lady. She lavished love on me. Mom shared everything in life with her children. She made us know that we were the most important persons in her life always and forever. We all felt perfectly loved with just one of her great big hugs. Her smile and laughter was pure sunshine. In her life, Mom had some of the most challenging and yet incredibly enriching life events one can experience. For her, every situation was an opportunity to gain knowledge and set an example of right action. She became wise beyond measure and we all benefited from her wisdom. I loved her gentle, noble, caring, quiet, loving spirit. And I miss my Mom more than words can convey.Close
So Wonderfully Blessed / Mary Dansby (Friend and Schoolmate )Read >>
So Wonderfully Blessed / Mary Dansby (Friend and Schoolmate )
We have been wonderfully blessed to have had such a beautiful spirit in our lives. Bobbie and I shared experiences from junior high school through college and we had talked about participating in our 60th reunion at Spelman College in 2006. On September 11, 1944, Bobbie's mother died, Bobbie and all her siblings moved to Washington, DC to live with her maternal grandmother. We "boohoed" that day; a day of parted company, but we kept in touch over the years. Later, Bobbie married her first boyfriend, George Houston, who was also in our class throughout high school. Bobbie was Valedictorian of our graduating class. Yes, she had a brilliant sharp mind, profound thoughts, but maintained a gentle spirit unspoiled by pomposity. Spiritually, she had the Christ-like characteristics of meekness, humility, love, compassion, prayerfulness, and holiness. She touched many lives throughout her journey in life and she left a meaningful legacy which will affect many lives now and to come. To God be the glory for the gift she was to us.
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