What shall we say about grandmothers?
Yes, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since Feb. 20, 1971 – but it’s still hard to believe that Granny Tyree (my father’s mother) has been gone for 50 years.
Oh, I shouldn’t have been caught offguard. All the joys, sorrows, friendships, jobs, technological innovations and cultural upheavals of five decades leave this former 10-year-old with only hit-and-miss memories of Sarah Elizabeth Gipson Tyree (a.k.a. “Sallie Bet”).
Perhaps I’ll consult my older cousins when I write my memoir (“The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tyree”), but right now I’m frustrated that I can’t remember (or worse, never appreciated) Granny’s favorite color, favorite food or the distinctive qualities of her voice.
So, I try to focus on the big picture of how she directly or indirectly (through Dad) shaped the person I am today.
Would I have such a thirst for knowledge if she hadn’t encouraged my father, my uncle and my aunts to get an education? What about if she hadn’t exhibited her love of books, magazines and newspapers? (My mother the workaholic confided that she used to hate visiting her in-laws and finding everyone sitting around – ugh! – READING.)
Would I be a newspaper columnist now if Granny hadn’t gotten me hooked on seeing my youthful witticisms in print by submitting them to the “It Happened Hereabouts” column in the “Nashville Tennessean” Sunday magazine?
Is it pure coincidence that I’m syndicated by Cagle Cartoons, or did Granny’s scrapbook of World War II editorial cartoons plant an idea?
Would I fight so hard to leave an “I was here!” message if not for the diaries Granny kept?
Didn’t my writing of an inspirational book owe a little something to Granny’s religious convictions, which still resonate in descendants undreamed of during her lifetime?
How did I learn to look for the silver linings in life? Perhaps it partly stems from the sense of humor Granny maintained as she faced the cancer that cut her life short just days before her 64th birthday. (I’m still haunted by memories of ultimately futile “cobalt treatments.” But at least Granny could get a chuckle from a hospital roommate who matter-of-factly informed a visitor, “I’ve done had my whole hysterectomy took out!”)
I like to think I’m “paying it forward” when I count to 10 and tolerate some inconvenience caused by my son. After all, Granny did try her best to catch my pet chameleon that ran onto a busy street, and she did dutifully walk visiting grandchildren to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Perhaps I’m overthinking it, but sometimes I dwell on the fact that every day someone else who knew Granny Tyree (or at least shared the planet with her) has passed away.
I know many of my readers are grandparents. If you’ve passed on wisdom, life skills and love, take a bow.
If you HAVEN’T always been the most nurturing person, today is the first day of the rest of your life.
As for younger readers, if your grandparents are deceased, write down the good things you remember about them. It doesn’t have to be Pulitzer-worthy – just heartfelt.
If you have living grandparents, the crossword puzzle can wait. Text, call or visit right now to let them know how much you cherish their impact on your life.
It may be the least regrettable thing you ever do.
February
Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Otis Nixon will be at Mount Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, 54 Baker St. in Shannon, Sunday at 6:00 p.m. to give his testimony. A love offering will be taken. Pastor Adrian Craig invites everyone to attend. Call 706266-6853 for more information.
The Calhoun City Schools Board of Education will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting Monday at 6 p.m. at the central office building downtown, 334 S. Wall St.
The Calhoun City Council will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting Monday, at 7 p.m. downtown at the depot, 109 S. King St.
The Gordon County Board of Commissioners will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the County Administration Building, 201 N. Wall St.
Coffee with Cardiologists, a virtual Q&A with Harbin Clinic cardiologists will take place Wednesday at 8 a.m., in partnership with the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. Register online at harbinclinic.formstack.com/forms/coffee_with_ cardiologists.
The NWGA Center for Independent Living is hosting “Zoom Into Independence!” Thursday via Zoom or by phone from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those who want to learn about independent living philosophy for themselves or for someone they know. Email Christina Holtzclaw at choltzclaw@nwgacil.org for the meeting link, or call 706-314-0008 for more information about the Northwest Georgia Center for Independent Living.
Ties & Tiaras Daddy Daughter Dance will take place Saturday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sonoraville Recreation Complex, 7494 Fairmount Highway. The event includes free dinner and dancing, as well as a photo shoot. To RSVP, call 706-6024435.
March
The Gordon County Board of Education will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting Monday, March 8, at the Gordon County College and Career Academy, 305 Beamer Road. Work session begins at 6:15 with the meeting following directly after.
The town of Resaca will hold a budget hearing at the Resaca Town Hall, 330 Walker St., Resaca, Tuesday, March 9, at 7 p.m.
The second annual Calhoun Recreation Department Miracle Run will take place Saturday, March 20, at 10 a.m. starting at the Black and Yellow Park playground pavilion. Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt. The event benefits the Winner’s Club and Camp New Adventure. For more information call 706-6290177.
Gordon Central High School Baseball is hosting a golf tournament Wednesday, March 31, at Fields Ferry, 581 Fields Ferry Drive. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. with the four person scramble beginning at noon in a shotgun start. Cost is $100 per person.
Ongoing
Tallatoona Community Action Partnership Inc. is hosting “Pathway
to Empowerment,” a program that provides services and supports individuals and their families who are committed to changing their lives.
Families can receive training and guidance regarding career pathways, education, financial literacy, job training and life skills development. The CAP program is by appointment only. Contact the Gordon County location at 770817-4666 for additional information.
City of Calhoun Recreation Department 2021 baseball and softball registration will continue through Feb. 25 in person at 601 S. River St., or online at CalhounRec.com for boys and girls ages 5-14. Age cutoff is Sept. 1, 2021 and the registration fee is $50. Call 706629-0177 or email LCarter@ CalNet-GA.net for more information.