The Treadway's

Addy, That was awesome to read. You have some of the same memories I have of being at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We didn't get to come as often as you, being so far away, or like now: halfway around the world. But often when I am trying to get on to my girls and they do something that makes me laugh instead, I think of Grandma trying to discipline Amy, Monica, Janet and me. When I see my kids on swings, I think of that swingset in the backyard, how you really felt you were flying off that mountain. When I hear or sing a gospel song, Grandma is shouting all around me and Grandpa is quietly worshipping playing one of the million instruments he can play. I bet he his telling Gabrielle how to play all the instruments in Heaven! Or taking his turn on them. I will never again pick up a pair of binoculors on our trips here without smiling, thinking about the time I asked Grandpa ONE question about binoculors and got an hour lecture. But I cherish that conversation. He was sharing with me, in a way he knew how. Or take a picture. Aren't all Treadways photographers?! There are apple trees everywhere here in Bavaria. I will never again walk by a tree, pick an apple, or even purchase one without smelling it and thinking of Grandpa's trees or the time he had me on a ladder to pick apples. I can't cook vegetables without thinking of being in the garden with Grandma. Or make biscuits, fry sausage or pork chops or something, without being transported back to that wonderful kitchen. And that old stove :) You know, people here still use those.
You had it right when you said you were happy before you even awoke. I knew I would be surrounded by soooooo many people who loved me just because I was a Treadway. That has been passed to my girls: the love of belonging to family, that love of the family name and heritage. Our legacy. I am so glad you did that Treadway book, Ruth. My girls have used it several times in school projects about family, and the reaction is always the same from other kids and teachers: awe, wonder, and "your family must really be proud of who they are". It never crossed our minds to not be, did it? That's a Treadway for you!
I love the ice crusher, and the times we slept in the basement. Climbed up that long driveway. Ate apple pies. Grandma and Grandpa's house had the best smell in the world. That smell is a scratch and sniff next to the word "Happy" in Webster's dictionary as far as I'm concerned.

There is a gospel song with the lyrics, "Praise is what I do, Praise is who I am". Grandma and Grandpa were the living examples of that, with her shouting and his unwavering, quiet pillar of strength and trust in God. What a wonderful Patriarch and Matriarch. And we are blessed to carry on this Legacy. I have cried many times since Grandpa passed away and Grandma has been getting weaker, but as the tears roll down my cheeks, I also find myself smiling, thinking what a wonderful Christmas Day. We will be honoring the birth of Jesus and thanking him for His sacrifice for our Salvation. And Grandpa and Grandma will actually be telling Him that in person, looking at His face!