Special Memories with my Grandmother
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Many of you know that my grandmother has stage 4 hip and lung cancer and is now living in a nearby nursing home with my grandfather. If you have been following along for a while, you know that I am an ambassador for Folgers® Coffee and when they asked for me to share a holiday memory with someone special, I thought sharing about my gram would be perfect. Folgers® has partnered with StoryCorps along with The Great Thanksgiving Listen Program this holiday season to encourage families to share their memories, traditions and stories with a loved one. I thought it fitting to use the opportunity to share with you my special bond with my gram. Not only do I have special holiday memories with her, I have life long memories with her.
Honestly, it’s ironic that this partnership is with Folgers because I grew up as a small child watching both my grandparents drink instant Folgers Coffee. Over the years, they graduated to coffee grounds and perking their coffee and now, the invention of K-Cups, well it’s been four generations in our family of Folgers Coffee. Today I am sharing Folgers® Black Silk Tubs and K-Cups which tastes amazing. So smooth, rich and absolutely delish!
My gram and I have a special bond. My parents worked full time when I was a kid so my gram would babysit my brother and I during the week. Last week I sat with my gram at the nursing home and we just talked about life when I was a kid. We reminisced about the good o’l days as she put it, when we would watch Guiding Light together. Yes, she got me hooked on Soap Opera’s when I was 5 years old. She reminded me last week that I wasn’t supposed to tell my mom that I was watching Soap Opera’s but I told her anyway. My mom was not impressed. Needless to say, my gram and I kept watching together and we did so up until recently before she went into the nursing home. My gram said those times were the best.
This campaign with Folgers and StoryCorps couldn’t have come at a better time because it gave me the opportunity to ask my gram a bunch of questions and relive so many memories, some of which I had forgotten. My gram never worked outside of the home so her “stories” (Soap Opera’s) were the highlight of her afternoon, that and a cup of coffee. Ironically, it was Folgers Coffee. My gram is failing fast and I am not sure how much longer she will be here with all of us. She doesn’t really like her picture taken these days as she is very bloated from the cancer and the meds but I did happen to sneak in a few pictures. She is looking forward to Thanksgiving next week and while it won’t be the same as it has been in the past with her cooking and baking, we will still enjoy time together.
My gram up until the past couple years, always prepared a big dinner for Thanksgiving and I remember helping her bake like it was yesterday. She was an amazing cook and baker in her day and she kiddingly said, “Jessie, I was the queen of the kitchen back then and now, I am lucky I can even hold a cup to drink out of.”
It’s pretty crazy how life changes as you age. I would encourage each and every one of you to reminisce with someone special over a cup of Folgers and share some stories with each other. Folgers® is bringing families together this holiday, one cup at a time. You might be surprised with what a loved one says. This process of talking to my gram made me realize that she loved having me around during my childhood years. One of the questions I asked her was, “what do you remember most about spending time with family over the holidays?” She said, “Everyone being together, eating and laughing.” Very simple yet so impactful. She loved having everyone together and sitting around talking after the meal was finished. I remember many times, my brother and I would sleep over after big holiday dinners or just a simple Sunday dinner. Those times bring back such warm cozy memories. Memories of feeling safe and happy.
Be sure to click Folgers to find more information, coffee recipes and special promotions.
One cool feature to help you connect with family and friends and start your own conversations is The StoryCorps App, it helps you with ideas, thought starters, video sharing options and interview questions. Be sure to visit Folgers for a chance to win a real-life reunion with a loved one and share your memories and traditions. You can learn more about Folgers© and see contest Official Rules at Folgers. You can also checkout my previous Folgers posts by clicking, fall Cinnamon Coffee and apple crisp donuts, Ice Coffee Tips, Fun Holiday Drink and Coffee Smoothie.
This post has been sponsored by The J.M. Smucker Company. I received product and compensation, but
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Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
I grew up with Folgers too! My family always had it brewing for the holidays and basically every morning! Their commercial from the 80’s is still one of my absolute favorites. I love that it is a family staple!
Folgers was always in my house when growing up also. When my dad got remarried he drank only the instant as his wife didn’t drink coffee. When I left home it was instant for me too! And one of my best memories was getting up early with that cup of coffee watching the news and seeing the folder Christmas commercial. I was really sad when the old commercial retired. My son and I always had a contest to see who would be the first to spot it and yell at the other it’s on its on! Haha!
I know it’s hard to have your grandparents ill. But how wonderful you are able to be with them and share memories.
Jess…I read today’s blog with tears in my eyes–for you and your gram–and also I recalled many loving memories with my parents at Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was such a joyous time at my parent’s house. It remains my favorite holiday. When we have our coffee or tea after dinner, I will think of you and yours. Thank you for sharing this heart warming glimpse into your family’s life.
Your Grandma is a very handsome women. As a guy who never knew his grandparents I sincerely thank you for sharing yours with me.
Such a great story, especially so close to Thanksgiving. Hope my grandchildren will remember me with some good memories. I love holidays and try to spend lots of time with them cooking and preparing the holiday dinners.
Oh sweetie, I am sitting here crying for you and with you….I had a very similar relationship with my grandmother and we too shared Guiding Light!!! You are so blessed to be able to say goodbye…not easy…but a blessing. May her remaining days be happy and as pain free as possible! and the best of luck with the sale of your current home and dreams of starting new memories in another dwelling! hugs for your entire family
What a special time to get to spend reminiscing with your grandma. My friend introduced me to soap operas in high school, and I’m the one that got my mom hooked! My daughter and I enjoy drinking Folgers coffee together on Saturdays after grocery shopping.
This is such a heartwarming post. I find myself with many questions about family members; however, I have no one to ask. Be sure and find out, if you can, about how relatives were related, what happened to some of the people and the memories she has when she was young, it was an entirely different world back then and I find it all so fascinating. We just did the 23 and me ancestry test. I wish I had someone to explain the discrepancies in what we were told and what actually is. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and God Bless you ALL. TFS.
I love this. Dear Gram…oh my this makes me sad and glad all at the same time. xo
Nothing like a gorgeous cup of coffee! I love this post!
I grew up with Folgers, too. What a beautiful sharing about your grandmother.