Last week, on the other blog pages, I wrote about grandparents, my father’s mother, and my husband’s great-grandmother. Today, I’m writing about our Bill and Jean Jorden. Parents first, wonderful grandparents, and outstanding great-grandparents. 

When I found this photo all I could do was sit and stare at it. I didn’t remember ever seeing a photo taken with both my grandparents and just my brother Mark and myself. There were always other people in any photo taken with the Jorden’s. Not that it is a bad thing at all! There are a lot of us, so to find this photo of just the four of us amazed me. 

Bill was the only grandfather I ever “knew”. My paternal grandfather had died when I was 3 years old and I have few memories of him. Bill received all my grandpa hugs, all my grandpa jokes, all my grandpa laughs. To me he was the inventor of the family. As large as life itself and just as great. Able to appreciate the birds and trees and teach us all how to filet a fish. I’ll never forget when he told me I hadn’t hit the fish hard enough on the head. I miss his fried fish. 

I could go on and on about what made Bill Jorden an amazing grandfather, but I’d be preaching to the choir. They tell me that he was also amazing on the job, but to me, Bill shined with his family.

When I was 10, I asked my parents if I could be called Shelly.  I knew a girl in school with that name and thought it would be cool and easier to spell.  My mom said if I had wanted you called Shelly I would have named you that.  So, no fun names for me. But Bill, he had a nickname for me.  He’d always called me ’Chell.  He made me feel special.  To date, there have been only three people to call me that: my grandfather, my brother, and my husband.  The last time I saw him, he couldn’t hear very well, but once he figured out it was me, he’d pat me on the cheek and say ” ‘Chell’s here.” Still large as life to me and just as special.

My grandmother made everyone feel unique and seen.  I don’t know how she did it with 12 grandchildren, but she did.  While she would share news of my cousins when she visited, or we were there, she’d always ensure her focus was on you.  She knew what we all liked and would ensure we’d have that to do with her.  I’ve never met anyone equal to her in games, especially cards.  And words, too.  Jean excelled at any game, puzzle, or teaser that had words in it.  While I enjoy boggle, I still have memories of her finding so many more words than I do that it’s hard for me to play.  

I know that my family feels the same as I do, that we’d love one more opportunity to be in Bill and Jean’s presence. For now, our memories and photos will have to do. Until that day, we are once more reunited, and we can tell them thank you for making us all feel so loved. 

If you haven’t yet subscribed, I’d love for you to do so.