Today is International Women’s Day, so let’s remember and celebrate the women who have been impactful in our lives.
For some, it may have been an inspirational teacher you had growing up, or perhaps a boss or supervisor who went the extra mile to show you success. For me, it was my maternal grandmother, Leona, who we affectionately called “Grandma Onie.” My goal in this life is to be half the woman she was. Let me tell you a little bit about her.
My grandma lived for her family. She didn’t miss a birthday, holiday or special occasion. She was the life of every party, with wisecracks and jokes.
My grandma was a teacher—she patiently taught me how to bake and sew. She handmade cards and window decorations (nowadays, we call that “fussy” cutting), and I am pretty sure this is where I get my creative gene.
My grandma was hardworking. She grew up on a farm and was expected to help with chores and housework. She had an amazing garden, where she spent hours pulling the weeds and watering her crops. Once her crops were ready, she spent hours canning those delicious fruits and vegetables—her pickles were a family favorite.
My grandma was a woman of faith. She had daily devotions and found her spot on the same church pew each and every Sunday. She was strong and secure in her beliefs.
My grandma was a social-butterfly. She would stop and talk to anyone walking down the street as if she had known them for years. She was known as the “sample lady,” as she distributed food samples at the small local grocery store, where she devoted her time to visiting with each customer that came through the store.
Lastly, my grandma was humble and kind. Almost too kind, if there ever could be such a thing.
This beautiful lady went to her heavenly home in 2013 at the age of 94. There is not a day that goes by that she isn’t on my mind. I ask myself each day if I am doing what I can to carry her legacy on. To make her proud. I want to be remembered someday as having some of these same characteristics.
She inspired.
I didn’t want to leave it at just words. So, I put my thoughts into a layout for my scrapbook, so that someday my grandchildren knew who inspired me, and that they cherish the times they have with the women in their lives.
This layout was created using:
- Sorbet Paper Pack
- Sorbet Embellishments
- Eggplant Cardstock
- White Cardstock
- Black ABC/123 Stickers
- Foam Squares
- 12″ Straight Trimmer
- Tape Runner
Tell us about the women in your life who inspire YOU!
Happy Creating!
Just beautiful! Your grandma sounds like an amazing lady, and your scrapbook tribute is just stunning! <3
Thanks Barb–she was a special lady!
BEAUTIFUL STORY TO INSPIRE, THANKS
Just wonderful Melissa, she reminds me of my mom! I had made a similar scrapbook for my daughter and my 2 nieces right after my mom passed in 2001. Each of the pages were exactly the same detailing different things about my mom, except the 2 center pages, which were pictures of the specific girl and my mom and what they shared together with her. They were a big hit and are treasured still today as each of them are getting married soon, and will be wishing she were here to join them! Thanks for sharing!
Wow–what a great idea! Thanks for sharing. -Melissa
What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. So special that honored her memory in this way.
A favorite song contains the word, “May all who come behind us find us faithful…”
If sounds like your grandma was faithful, and that her granddaughter is a faithful woman, too.
Thanks for sharing your inspiration. The pages are lovely, too.