Post by fernwood on Nov 17, 2022 8:26:12 GMT -5
My Grandma had undiagnosed polio from the 1930’s to 1940’s. Eventually she needed a wheelchair for mobility.
She was in a hospital for several months. In an iron lung. I have postcards of the hospital and the ward she was in.
She was the leader in our extended household of her husband, my mom, my mom’s brother and me. We often had up to 5 foster children in the small, log house that was built in the early 1900’s by her parents.
In November, our dining room was transformed into a wreath making area. My grandma made and sold wreaths. She shipped some across the country. She also made a 6’ wide wreath for the entrance to the local cemetery and one for the Church door. She gave wreaths to many neighbors, too.
This is one my favorite photos of us together.
When I got older, I was often sent into our woods to collect Princess Pine, Ground Cedar, cones and other things for her to use for wreaths.
I was entrusted with painting and wrapping some cones with wire for her to use on the wreaths.
Later, I helped her make wreaths.
She had the patience of a saint. I can only imagine how many mistakes of mine she corrected, as I was 4-6 years old when helping her.
She would also staple the Ground Cedar and Princess Pine onto cardboard shaped like wreaths and trees. Spray paint them. Then attach smaller cones, mini ornaments, fake berries and small garland.
After moving back to my childhood home, I found a box of painted and wired cones. I have used some to make my own wreaths over the years.
My Grandma died when I was only 7 years old, but I will never forget everything she taught me.
I am making some wreaths this year to honor her.
I can only imagine the joy she would have had being able to put battery powered LED lights on her creations.
I will be sharing more things about my Grandma and Christmases here. She loved Christmas and saw it as a time to bring joy to others.
She was in a hospital for several months. In an iron lung. I have postcards of the hospital and the ward she was in.
She was the leader in our extended household of her husband, my mom, my mom’s brother and me. We often had up to 5 foster children in the small, log house that was built in the early 1900’s by her parents.
In November, our dining room was transformed into a wreath making area. My grandma made and sold wreaths. She shipped some across the country. She also made a 6’ wide wreath for the entrance to the local cemetery and one for the Church door. She gave wreaths to many neighbors, too.
This is one my favorite photos of us together.
When I got older, I was often sent into our woods to collect Princess Pine, Ground Cedar, cones and other things for her to use for wreaths.
I was entrusted with painting and wrapping some cones with wire for her to use on the wreaths.
Later, I helped her make wreaths.
She had the patience of a saint. I can only imagine how many mistakes of mine she corrected, as I was 4-6 years old when helping her.
She would also staple the Ground Cedar and Princess Pine onto cardboard shaped like wreaths and trees. Spray paint them. Then attach smaller cones, mini ornaments, fake berries and small garland.
After moving back to my childhood home, I found a box of painted and wired cones. I have used some to make my own wreaths over the years.
My Grandma died when I was only 7 years old, but I will never forget everything she taught me.
I am making some wreaths this year to honor her.
I can only imagine the joy she would have had being able to put battery powered LED lights on her creations.
I will be sharing more things about my Grandma and Christmases here. She loved Christmas and saw it as a time to bring joy to others.