A Half Cup of Coffee With Grandma Susie

Foreword Readers, whether you are a family member, friend, neighbor, community member, of the current generation, or of a future generation, I am delighted to welcome you to this creative story based on my life. I enjoyed reading it. I am thankful for my second granddaughter, Suzanne, writing this book. She has included references that span seven generations of my family—from my great-grandparents to my great-grandchildren. It is a blessing and privilege to have lived to see so many generations represented in my family. I have watched generations come and go. I hope as you read you are inspired, encouraged, and reminded of what God can do for us. You are precious. Enjoy A Half Cup of Coffee with Grandma Susie. —Grandma Susie Conversation Sip 1         Introduction, Family, Ancestors Matriarchs and Maternal Love …Love was given to me, so I have been able to give love like I have received love. I’ve always been happy to give love to my family. It is no more than I ought to do. “No more than you ought to do,” as my father used to say. “I love hearing those sayings of my great-grandfather and other elders.” Yes, Daddy used to say that. Someone might mention different things people have done—this, that, and so on—and Daddy would say, “No more than they ought to do.” In other words, the person was impressed with what was done, but Daddy saw it as the expectation of what was to be done not something extraordinary. “Okay, Sister Grandma Susie, how should I begin telling a story that’s been happening for ninety-six years and counting?” Be Thankful and Forgiving Life will have tough days and challenges, but I have learned that being thankful and forgiving makes life better. Remember, whatever happens to you in life can be a stumbling block or a stepping stone. You decide. Conversation Sip 3         The Why of This Book: Gratitude for Grandma Susie …I’d like you to include a section on why you wanted to write this book. The book will be from your perspective as a granddaughter; if others wrote a similar book, they would write from their perspectives. “Sure, Grandma. You are an unsung heroine and writing a book lets me sing about you…” “The book will be a creative work; it’s not intended to be a traditional biography or to tell your whole life story but just to capture a sense of your essence with some biographical information. It will be a half cup, not the full story, just enough to sense the aroma and flavor of what it is to know you and talk with you from my perspective as your granddaughter.” That’s so precious… Well, I pray the Lord Jesus will bless it and hope someone will be encouraged. “Me too. I hope someone will be inspired by the book. Generations will be able to access this book, Grandma Susie. Since you want me to include a section on why I wanted to write about you, I’ll include the speech I gave at your 90th birthday party. Remember?” Yes, I remember… “…The title is ‘Gratitude for Grandma Susie’”: “It is a blessing to have a saved, unapologetically Apostolic grandmother who values not only the Word of God and a relationship with Jesus Christ but also family and education. Grandma Susie, your beliefs are known through what you do. As your granddaughter, for the past thirty-plus years, I have observed and learned from your lived example and direct instructions; thank you. Your love began at home; thank you. You have not just read the Bible, you have studied It and believe It. You have not just talked about salvation, you have endeavored to exemplify a life that speaks well of Jesus inside and outside the home. You have purposefully planted good seeds in the lives of your family and so many others; thank you. “Your words of wisdom wrapped in your love and humor are appreciated. Your hugs and kisses on both cheeks over the phone are appreciated. Your prayers before God on behalf of your family, saints, and others are appreciated. Your intentional investment in the spiritual training of each generation in our family you have touched is appreciated. “You are a woman leader and an inspiration. You are an honorable leader because of the life you live to honor Jesus behind the scenes and not just when you know people are watching you. I love you, appreciate you, and thank you for everything you have had to experience to become the woman of wisdom, honor, respect, scholarship, love, and pastoral leadership that you are at this moment in time. “…I love you always in forever…” That is so sweet. You are most certainly welcome. I’m very thankful. The Lord has blessed me to have people like you in my life, people who want to take time with me. I feel blessed to have you as a granddaughter that’s willing to do this—write a book, talk with me, spend time with me… “It is my pleasure to be a blessing to you, Grandma Susie. I’m thankful for you and our time together. I love you. You are a blessing. Like Unkie John would say, ‘You are a blessing looking for a place to happen and I’m glad you happened to me’ and so many others.” I thank God for you too. Thank you for your expressions of love.