Now I know many of you may think I am referring to Abe Lincoln, but truth is I have only seen him sitting on that big chair thingy. The real truth is, to me, there is only one BEST Man in the world. The man my grandma used to say David so much reminded her of, the man I raise my boys to grow up like, the man I call my Grandpa. When he found out we were having a bunch of kids at the big 435 Art Fair party he insisted he had to make something. So he went down to his basement, got a bunch of pennies and made necklaces for all the kids. He not only made a necklace, he polished each and every penny so it would shine as bright as the little one who wore it. This is a man who wants nothing in the world other than to make people happy. This is a man who has inspired me for as long as I can remember. It was from him I learned to try to do my very best every day to make others shine and smile as they make their way through their day.
This past weekend, once again I was reminded of my grandpa and the way he has inspired me. I listened to a young 24 ish year old tell her story of the importance of building relationships, inspiring others, and finding your true spirit all while looking out for your fellow man. I saw a fabulous group of ladies I proudly call the Matilda Jane Trunk Keepers grow as women and tighten their bonds of friendship. And I realized, not that it ever slipped far from my head, that Matilda Jane is about beautiful clothing but also a great deal about the heart of it all
This is the sweetest post – your grandpa sounds amazing!
Crying like a baby, my G-daddy used to be the same way. He became ill about 7 years ago, and I miss him so bad.
This is why you are who you are and why you do what you do! Lovely story, beautiful memory – I’m going to have my husband make penny necklaces for all eleven grandkids … and he has to shine them up! We had a death in the family and couldn’t make the Fair! But I love the pictures and the stories! This one is my favorite so far!
Love seeing the pictures from 435! It takes me back…we had such a good time! Thanks again. And really wished we hadn’t missed the penny necklaces, there was just so much to look at!
Love this post and what mjc is all about!!
I love this post, but it made me a little sad. Sad for my own children because those Grandpa’s are few and far between Denise. I experienced that same kind of love and example growing up and at 90 years old my Papa still has me convinced he can save the world! However, my own sweet Daddy left this world way to soon (will be 5 years ago on the 27th) and never laid his eyes or hands on my children. Oh what I would give if he could have loved them this side of heaven and they could have experienced the love and lessons that man had to give. Sweet sweet memories and ones that will live in our hearts forever! So blessed to know the same kind of love and longing for my children to experience that!
This is inspiring! Thank you!
Grandpa is the best! We are so blessed to have him! I am gonna have to give him a call because I don’t have one of those lucky pennies 🙂
So exited to know the story behind the cool penny neclace that Maya got. The pics are awesome. We feel so special to see ourselves on there:) Thanks for the awesome weekend. We can’t wait to do it again next year…
So cool, I made the blog!!!I loved the art fair what a great time.Denise-I made this.I really wanted you to see it.
http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d1803698k4615986o1/the-matilda-jane-2011-art-fair
Denise, I love this post…my grandparents were so important to me and all my sisters. Nothing like a sweet day on that small farm with Granddaddy. No indoor toliet or running water, but so many happy days, full of long walks and wonderful stories. Our granddaddy always had time to teach us things about the farm, and make us laugh at the same time. He always walked with his walking stick, [made by him out of hickory wood]. We all thought it was great, and fought over who would get to use it. He took the time to widdle us all one, 4 small canes, handmade by the sweetest Granddaddy in the world…poor as dirt, and rich in love:)
SO sweet. I miss my grandpa & wish my girls could have known him. 🙁
What a great post today! I love that you share some of the thoughts that run through your head. Your Grandpa is amazing, but I’m certain that he is as proud of you as you are of him. <3
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful story. I bet the kids had a great time at the Fair!
See, this is what I love about your posts… They always evoke emotion and they always leave me inspired! Inspired to be a good example, to do my best, to find out what we love in this world and do it whole heartedly. Grandpas are the best, especially the hands on kind like yours, who lead by example. But what is so great is that WE all can be this kind of person, if we choose to be. Your grandpa sounds like a gem & shines as bright as his pennies!!
See, this is what I love about your posts…they always evoke emotion and always inspire! This inspires me to be a better person, to lead by example, to find what it is that I love in the world and do it whole heartedly. Your grandpa sounds like a gem and shines just as much as his pennies.
Precious!
….and hes the cutest thing you ever did see!
My girls still play with their necklaces. What a sweet idea. Please thank him for us! Good grandparents are a precious gift!!!
Ahhhh I spy my dd1 w/ Sara and then me & her again in another pic! Fun times at that party Denise!
Amazing… you know, Tiffy didn’t get a thing for her at art fair (well, I lie, she got a bag)… but, she got her self a shiny penny necklace that she wears everyday and LOVES! Your grandpa rocks… and so you do!
Just read this. Truly it has touched my heart. My Grandfather lost his battle with cancer on Thursday. His funeral was today. I just signed on and read this and it has touched my heart. Grandpas are truly special. Hug them tight whether you are 3 or 33. <3
I hope your grandfather reads your blog or someone tells him to read todays entry.
I feel that you are judged as a parent and a role model when someone speaks about you the way you have spoken about him today (and in previous entries I have read).
I hope someday Giuliana or her Children speak about me this way.
It is only then I will know for sure that all I have done and all that Ive sacrificed has been for the good– and I, of course, that I did a good job 🙂
Love your Grandpa. Our penny shines brightly in our kitchen, a loving reminder to do something nice for someone each and every day. Please thank him for us!
How wonderful to have a grandfather this spectacular… and whats more wonderful is that your boys will always know him, love him and above all respect him just as you do! A gift. A legacy. So special. xo
It sounds like from your post that we could’ve had the same grandpa 🙂 Mine died in 1999 and I miss him every day. I wish he was here to see my little ones. My parents are very close to my kids and sometimes when they are spoiling them so much that I can’t stand it…I think….”you know, my dad probaly thought this same thing about me with his dad”. Cherish those memories….grandparents are such awesome people!
That is so neat! Like your grandpa, my grandpa has been an inspiration to me in many ways. They are just special. Uncompared. Love them. That little penny will be a priceless treasure to many little ones I am sure. I just love that he did that.
what an amazing gift from the heart!
Denise you are so lucky to have your wonderful Grandfather in your life. My husband (Pop) has to be right there at the top of Grandfathers. He has had bows in his hair, played make believe for hours on end, chased fireflies, built a playhouse, built snowmen, read books, watched hundreds of episodes of Max and Ruby and Spongebob and I could go on and on. One of his favorite things to do when Jada was in 3 and 4 year old preschool was to pick her up (dressed in her Matilda Jane) and stop by a favorite place to eat and play and just smile and smile at all of the comments. He has promoted Matilda Jane Clothing many times.
I love the penny necklaces, my kids are still wearing them.
GULP….So many of your posts bring me to tears. Beautiful!
So so sweet – what a blessing your grandpa is! I adore his necklaces, too =)