Work Hard

I love my grandma. I love her for a lot of reasons.

My family has a Thanksgiving tradition. We go around the table and say something we are thankful for. A couple years ago I remember that my grandma said she was thankful for hard work. And then she told us why.

My grandma grew up poor. Her family didn't have a furnace so winter mornings were freezing. Literally. Ice would line the inside of the windows and she would sleep with two of her siblings to help stay warm. They had to use a fire to heat water for bathing and her dad, my great grandpa would bathe first and then her oldest sibling and then the next oldest - until it was her turn. They all used the same water and when it was finally her turn the water was cold.

When my grandma's brother fisnished college and got a job he bought his family a furnance. To this day, despite the diamonds and fancy clothes and worldwide vacations, my grandma says that was the most meaningful gift she has ever recieved.

My grandparents are self made people. They work hard. They have been comfortable throughout their marriage and have been able to help their kids, grandkids, church and community. All because of hard work.

My grandparents are amazing examples to me. They have helped engrain the importance and payoff of hardwork.

Thanks grandma and grandpa. I love you.