Grandma's Journal

Recently my mom let me borrow a priceless treasure -- my grandma Bastian's journal, or at least one of them. I have enjoyed so much reading her handwriting, and I can still hear her voice saying the funny things she used to say. Here are a few excerpts:

January 1973: Such a January. Too much snow, measured it myself. Where oh where did that Jan. thaw meander to? Now fog to go along with slick roads, all we havent had is wind. I'm not feeling so well, maybe it's the weather, a lot of flu here and there. Hope it stays there.

February 1972: Washington's birthday, another 3 day holiday for those who are working (lets me out).

March 1974: Have ordered a Grandfather clock for company for a grandma with time on her hands.

April 1972: Cold, miserable Easter. Stayed home and rolled eggs under the table.

July 1972: Independence Day. My goodness, how nice to be independent! (Oh Yeah)

July 1969: Three astronauts will try for a landing on the moon. Was it I who said it will never be a reality? Oh well, any fool can change his mind. I've tried to imagine the sensation of weightlessness, another thing my finite mind cannot conceive. Hope it proves okay. Seems such a risk. What courage the wives and families have and how the whole world awaits the results.

August 1974: Ex-President Nixon stepped down with a salary of 80 thousand dollars a year. (poor guy?) Can't pay his taxes on that.

August 1974: Life has been so good to me. I appreciate my little family so much.

September 1971: Linda started school over here. She is so precious. Little Debbie so grown up and independent. Again August has passed too swiftly and life is getting shorter. I love life.

September 1972: School days and Jeannie is cooking at Union High School. We have made many plans on what we will spend the first check for.

October ?: I like to start each day with a smile and get it over with early. Why bother all day?

October ?: Guess I'll have my face lifted, the rest is too heavy.

October 1972: Woke up this a.m. to a world white with snow after 33 rain and more rainy days. So much wet, can't swim, guess I'll grow webbed feet. Seems easier.

November 1969: Wayne went to Green River to work today, miss him already. (mother hen) How oft would I gather my chickens under my wing. Saw a brave little petunia blooming in the yard. Sweet little blossom.

December 1969: Linda marched up to the front alone at the church house and sang Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer without a mistake. (Proud grandma)

If there was ever any doubt in my mind about keeping a journal and how important it may be to my descendants, there is not a doubt now. This journal is one of the few things in this world besides my memories that link me to my beloved grandmother. As I read her words, I can remember the tone in her voice, the kindness of her touch, and the love she gave to me. It truly is a priceless treasure to me. Thanks Mom for sharing it with me. I am so blessed!