Who is Carrie Bell?

I was blessed with an amazing grandmother, Carrie Bell. She was the ideal picture of a grandmother, warm, loving, and always baking. My most treasured memories are those at her house. She always had kind words and something yummy on the stove. Sundays were an extra special day where we would all gather for dinner. This was no small affair mind you, my grandparents had seven children at the table just about each Sunday. Five of whom were raising their own little families bringing with them 19 grandchildren.

My grandparents lived in a little farm house in the middle of no where surrounded by fields, little buildings and barns to explore, and trees to climb. We played ball, raced one another, and our imaginations took us on a many adventure. When dinner was ready, Mamaw would line us up in the kitchen to wash our faces and hands for dinner. I even remember telling her I was old enough to do it myself, then her giving me a hug and saying "But Sarah Jean! This is what Grandma's are for!" Afterwards, I would be so eager to see if a bowl of her rolls were on the table and to be sure I got one. (She made the best dinner rolls from scratch!)

Grandma tried to teach me to cook those rolls but alas I inherited none of her cooking skills. She was successful at teaching me to sew and encouraging me to pursue anything my heart desired. She was always there with words of wisdom any time I would falter in life. She taught me kindness and to look for happiness in the tiniest of moments.

I am a grandmother myself now and often wonder how my sweet grand daughter will remember me years from now. I hope that I can be even half the grandmother my sweet Mamaw was.

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