 |
| Odella Gregg 9/4/1917-5/7/2011 The best Grandmother, a wonderful teacher, and a great lady! |
Odella
She’s honest, sincere, and humble
She’s honest, sincere, and humble
Her laughter and humor will make you smile.
Lend me your ear so we can talk about Odella for a while.
She comes from parents described to me
As good, down to earth, hard-working and kind.
Is it any wonder then, that she is the very same way?
This type of teacher is not easy to find.
She finished high school in Onida and then worked
For Boots Gregg as their hired gal.
Cleaning and cooking for 8-10 men,
Another job she did well.
And then there was marriage and teaching and
Motherhood at hand – with her love for animals
And Oak Hollow with its beautiful land.
They tell me you drove a model A back and forth to school
and that the kids there knew you were no fool!
Was said they ran off 4 teachers before you taught at Busy Bee.
You had them eating out of the palm of your hand,
Made learning fun, that’s what they told me.
I was visiting with a good neighbor and his wife—
Said he worked for you for 3 years; it was
The most enjoyable time of his life.
Your home reflected your lifestyle,
It was the talk of the town.
Filled with collectibles, a painting on the wall,
And full of young people every Sunday from all around.
You took loving care of your parents,
Had one of the first phone lines put in for that reason.
You met life with such excitement and love for each season.
You have put in many extra hours above what was expected,
And on all of your students this is reflected.
You’ve loved your guitar and music;
Gave lessons to kids who couldn’t afford it at all.
More of your dedication to children—
In our eyes you walk tall.
You have asked for so little
and given so much in return.
From your example there is much to learn.
Unkind words have never been your style,
You’re too busy using your time wisely, always with a smile.
You have liked to travel and broaden your views
And whoever follows your footsteps
Will have to fill big shoes.
By Connie Jones
What a wonderful tribute to your Grandmother Odella. Reading over the lovely poem it was evident she lived a very long, full, joyful life. I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute. I'm sorry for your loss. Grandmothers are special people who stay in your heart forever!
ReplyDeleteshe sounds like a wonderful person. so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteA Grandma to be missed. My thoughts are with you as you celebrate the life while mourning the passing.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Grandma. I'm very sorry for your loss -mine are both gone, but I think of them often. We will always have our memories.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your Grandma. She sounds like a wonderful, caring, strong woman. Take care. I miss my Grandma too. B
ReplyDeleteI love the tribute to your Grandma. It's a big job being a Grammy, but when I read your words it makes me realize what an impact we can make.
ReplyDeleteLoving thoughts to you, sweet friend, during this difficult time of loss. XOXO
I want to thank everyone for their kind words. I learned so much from my Grandmother. I will miss her greatly. Karen, Billie Jo, Kim, and Baking Barb thank you for your comments. I was unable to publish them, but I appreciate your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a wonderful person! I'm sorry for your loss, it sounds like you have many great memories of her.
ReplyDeleteConnie, a beautiful poem, straight from the heart. I'm sorry for your loss and wishing you peace and comfort in the many beautiful memories you have with her.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't die just recently,
ReplyDeleteYou died some time ago.
Although your body stayed a while,
And didn't really know.
For you had got Altzheimer's,
You failed to comprehend.
Your body went on living.
But your mind had reached its end.
So we've already said, "Goodbye",
To the person that we knew.
The person that we trully loved,
The person that was, "You".
And so we meet again today,
To toast your bodies end.
For it was true and faithful,
Until right at the end.
And so, when we remember,
We'll think of all the rest.
We'll concentrate on earlier,
And remember all the best.
For in the real scheme of things,
Your illness wasn't long.
Compared to all the happiness,
You brought your whole life long.
We think of you as yesterday,
When you were fit and well.
And when we're asked about you,
It's those things that we'll tell.
And so we meet in 'membrance,
Of a mind so fit and true.
We're here to pay our last respects
To say that, "We love you"
Thank you so much for that poem! It is beautiful. I really appreciate your sharing. I needed to hear it.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your Grandma she sounds like a wonderfull person.
ReplyDelete