On this Martin Luther King Day, I’d like to post one of my favorite stories about my great grandparents. Bit of background: They’re my father’s mother’s parents. I knew them quite well. Grandpa Chipman spoke slow and preachy- like. He always told me, “Roses are red, violets are blue. Angels in heaven say I love you!” Grandma was real fiery, esp. in her old age. She just spoke her mind. They were married for over 76 years, and were given an award from the governor of Utah for being the longest living married couple in the state in 1999. Grandpa’s advice for a long, happy, and successful marriage: "KNOW THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AND LIVE THEM. THAT'S THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE." Both Grandma and Grandpa lived to be about 95 years old.
About ten years ago, my aunt Annette went down to American Fork to visit my great-grandparents on Martin Luther King Day. I imagine that they sat down around the kitchen table and pulled out the Rook cards. At one point, their conversation turned to the holiday. I cried when my aunt told me this part, because I was laughing so hard. It went something like this (Annette in green, Grandpa in red, and Grandma in blue):
Grandpa, it’s Martin Luther King Day!
Ah yes! I have a dream!
Beans!? Why do you always talk about beans!?!
No Grandma! I Have A Dream!
We just had beans! I’m not making you anymore beans!
No Grandma! I HAVE A DREAM!!
Well, I’m not making more beans. If you want some, you’ll have to get them yourself. Beans…
Needless to say, they were hard of hearing by the time 90 rolled around. It was hilarious, and sad at the same time.
*Bit of advice- don’t tell stories like this in your English class. It won't translate well in such a setting, even if you just read the poem The Bean Eaters as a class. Not that I speak from experience.
19 comments:
Piedra Preciosa.
I love this story. I wish that I could have met this awesome couple.
1,000,003.
Beans!? Why do you always talk about beans!?!
Well, I have to say, I witnessed these kinds of conversations many times around the dinner table at my mom's parent's. It was amusing, but sad to watch...mostly amusing, because we yung'uns would try to help out, creating even more chaos and confusion.
These kinds of conversation happen at my house these days too...thanks to me...
Oh, and just to let you know, both Carla and Michael found your story hi-larious when you told it-- I mean never told it-- in English class.
That's two of thirty.
And me, of course.
1,000,004.
Some things never get old; this is not one of them.
I'll stop.
Brittany Doyle your story is very entertaining. It didn't bring me to tears, but a small smile did creap across my face. I'm glad that you have some funny and entertaining memories about your grandparents.
We're gonna keep the comments rolling here.
Lucky #6.
And remembering . . .
Remembering, with twinklings and twinges,
As they lean over the beans in their rented back room that
is full of beads and receipts and dolls and cloths,
tobacco crumbs, vases and fringes.
I agree with Matt. Lets keep going.
Is this the Grandma that you are named after Doyle? She sounds so sweet. This will sound weird but I like talking to older people. They have the funniest stories and as you said they tell you exactly what they think. They make life exciting.
Old people make life exciting?
How about this they're unpredictable and they add variety to life. Like this post. That's just one of those unpredictable things that you have to cherish when it comes along.
Oh yeah!
*Celebratory dance*
Three cheers for Britt-- finisher of the portfolio! (Said in a nasally and obscure college-like voice.)
Hip hip hooray!
Hip hip hooray!
Hip hip hooray!
Dang! I missed a day!
Don't worry, I'm back on the commening train-- you shan't be rid of me.
Thad eyeth
You are the only one
Whooth
Blue skieth are grey
Tho don't cry...
Hey, I haven't commented on this post? I must be slipping.
Your grandparents sound awesome.
It's Mellow Yellow....or was it Yellow Mellow?
Congratulations on your portfolio Doyle.
It's Mellow Yellow....or was it Yellow Mellow?
Congratulations on your portfolio Doyle.
Consider your bum chopped.
I just barely realized that that went in twice. Not intentional I promise. What happened in the English class?
Haharr ho! I see wot yer at, Cap'n, an' no mistake! Have ye got a bit o' blog for a poor old rat? Haharr!
Turnips turn up
Their noses at moles,
Turnips turn up
In salad bowls.
And so will you if you don't blog in the near future.
Thank you.
Okay Brittany It's been almost a month Please update this!
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