~Grandpa's Story~

I saw that photo of my Grandparents and myself and reminded me of what a dear people they were. How happy and I always loved to go and spend a week end with them. I went every chance I had. My Grandma made the popcorn for the movie theaters, and I would get to go to the movies with her for free every friday night. It was great. There were 3 theatres back then in 3 of the 4 small towns where I grew up...I went with her a few times as she made the popcorn for saturday and it was a huge machine and she had to measure everything out and then when it was done put it into these huge metal cans to be delivered to the other theatres. Was great popcorn, great white fluffy kind, and we got that free too when we went to the movies. I always remember the radio on, and Grandma singing, I think thats why my mother was that way, she had a radio in every room and was always singing too. She had told me many times how the family, all 8 children would gather around an old organ Grandma had..and they would all sing.. They were VERY happy family, Grandpa was a miner, hard working man. He told me stories, and I loved hearing them... My favorite wasnt really a story I said it was..but HE said it was TRUE!!! and I honestly believed him! The cellar of their house was like a hole in the floor that you lifted up a whole door and there were steps downward.. A few steps down was a shelf that Grandma kept some jars on. Grandpa ALWAYS had candy. Usually butterscotch or licorice. He would let me see him put 2 of the butterscotch candies on that ledge and tell me they were for the babies in the cellar, that lived down there. Of course I didnt believe him.. I asked "why wont they come up and play with me?" Grandpa said "they dont like the lights they have each other to play with and I give them candy every once in a while for a treat like I do you" I looked at him, sternly said "ok..what are their names?" Grandpa looked at me and said "Lilly Ponds and WaterLilly" I smiled and told Grandpa.."No, thats not babies names".. He took 2 of the candies..and walked over to the steps and put them on the ledge, "Now, he says, you go sit over there and watch, they will come get the candy" I sat there all day and stared and watched..and nothing I heard gramma call me to supper and grandpa was sitting there too.. He asked "did they come and get the candy?" I said "No its still there..see, there's no babies in that cellar.." and laughed at Grandpa... He smiled and just nodded his head..I looked at my Gramma and she just smiled.. I finished eating first, ran back to the steps..and YES, the candy was GONE... I ran back to the kitchen and told Grandpa that the babies came and got the candy.. Grandpa just smiled and said "see ? I told you...This went on for a long time.. My Grandpa would put that candy on that step, and I would watch and NEVER saw those babies take it..I believed they were down there lol.. This went on many many times when I visited them, and I steady questioned Grandpa about the babies in the cellar, and were they ok..and where were their mom and dad?..I had tons of questions and he always gave me a believable answer and was my Grandpa! I trusted him..why would he tell me a story like that?.. I never saw him go down those steps so HE didnt take it..Both of them were always there..So it HAD to be true.. :-) I was very young then now...I KNOW I was blonde too..but well, Grandpa's dont fib to their GORGEOUS granddaughters :-) I can still taste that licorice he would push into my mouth every time when he would tuck me into bed after Gramma did, with his "shhh Dont tell Gramma and Dont Choke!" Kiss my forehead and tiptoe out ... I think Gramma knew that too :-) They were a pair of Great Grandparents.. After my grandparents died, I went back to the house with my mom..and I told her as we were walking around outside of the old house, about Grandpa's story of Lilly Ponds and Water Lilly that lived in the cellar.. She laughed and told me "Grandpa couldnt wait for you to come and stay so he could watch you guard those steps trying to catch those babies..He would sit in his chair and just laugh..He had the best time teasing you." I looked at my mom, and said "you know I still NEVER did find out how or WHO did that..He was ALWAYS there!! so was Gramma" As we came up to the garage, which was UNDER the house..we walked to the back and there was another room and in there were the stairs that went up to the house..lol.. I looked at those steps and back at the door going into the garage, and I had to laugh..I looked at my mom and told her "well NOW I know..that stinker". He would pretend to go out side, and then go into the garage and to that ledge. lol..I had no idea that was how he did it..when I would see the garage grandpa's truck was always in it..I never saw a door!! lol.. But he was my grandpa..now what grandpa would fib to his GORGEOUS granddaughter?? lol.. Lilly Ponds and WaterLilly I have NO idea where he got the names from..and isnt it amazing what we remember? AND how children just believe? I think my boys believe their mom is going out to the kitchen and theyre wrong...lol.. No side trip again tonite.. I had a nice lunch from Kentucky Fried Chicken and It was good.. I didnt eat all of it..I dont wanna take any steps..ok ROLLS..backwards to a few days ago.. Im glad I got past them.. I feel alot better today and I HAVE learned..PATIENCE LOIS lol..I just have to learn to pace myself and well ask Raelynn or Donnie to get stuff for me when they are here.. I did start writing sticky notes to myself, so I dont forget stuff...side of my cpu is now YELLOW. from all the sticky notes :-) I'll remember if they dont fall off... Now, to remember to hit publish..Nitey Nite :-) Y'all have a good one now Y'hear? luv ya,, and thanks.. :-) Always, Lois ****

May God Bless you today, I'm so honored to call you friend, I pray the Lord will keep you safe, Until I write again...