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My Granny

My granny’s hair hung down to her waist In wavy rivulets from years of braiding She brushed it regularly, never in haste, Humming a tune, her way of serenading Us children watching her in amazement And sometimes she would quote a verse She recalled from her school days meant She urged us to learn it, but never coerced. I cannot recall her ever losing her temper She knew the meaning of inner peace In my elder years, my memories of her blur Still her patience helps my stresses release. I remember advice she willingly shared From her lifetime of sadness and troubles, I never realized the raw courage she dared But always knew her faith never stumbled. My granny lived almost one hundred years She moved steadfastly through life, I recall How she never gave into the common fears, Setting the perfect example of living overall. FIRST PLACE WINNER Written July 16, 2022 submitted to "To Honor My Hero" Poetry Contest sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/22/2022 2:18:00 PM

Congratulations on your win Milt! Like you I would not have made it through childhood without my grandmother's calm, loving, faith-filled steady presence. She was definitely a heaven sent gift. We were definitely the lucky and blessed ones to have had grandmothers like ours.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/22/2022 4:27:00 PM

We are, indeed, most blessed, Sam.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 8/18/2022 11:40:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. You were very lucky to have your Granny. I did not. Have a great/blessed day......................

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/18/2022 11:45:00 AM

Thank you so much, Paula. She was a godsend. I'm not sure I would have survived without my granny! I'm sorry you did not get to know yours. Every child deserves a granny.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/18/2022 7:58:00 AM

You were very fortunate indeed to have known your wonderful grandmother. Her teachings and spirit lives on through you. Both my grandmothers passed on before my birth. Congratulations on your wonderful first place win Milt. Blessings xxoo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/18/2022 8:34:00 AM

Thank you, Connie. This poem sort of explains my poem on my grandma calling me into the ministry. She was very influential during my growing up years.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/17/2022 10:15:00 PM

Your granny has no doubt read this from her window seat in heaven, and she loves it. What a heartfelt tribute to a marvelous example of peace!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/18/2022 8:37:00 AM

Grandma was, indeed, very special to me during my growing up years and into adulthood. She was a tremendous influence on my life.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/17/2022 12:22:00 AM

They are the rock of any family and knew the answer to nearly every problem. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/17/2022 8:34:00 AM

Absolutely. Without my granny who knows what would have become (or not become) of me?

Michael Tor

Date: 7/16/2022 2:38:00 PM

What a wonderful example of a human being. Special people in our lives that mode who we are today Milton, in a wonderful way incorporating our Lord's words and influence on us. A finer human being is hard to find. You were very fortunate to have Your Granny teach you and lead by example. Someday I will write about my family, who they were, and the influence they had on me. I love how you honor your grandma in this piece and acknowledge the Positive influence she had in your life. Have a nice day

Michael Tor
Date: 7/16/2022 8:44:00 PM

That is wonderful to hear Milton.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/16/2022 3:20:00 PM

Oh my, she had such an influence on me, Michael. In fact when I'm asked how I was called to preach, I tell folks, "My grandma called me!" And, there is a great deal of truth in that. She was, next to my mother, the brightest light in my life for many, many years, especially as a child and teenager.

Ann Foster

Date: 7/16/2022 2:13:00 PM

I think she lives far past almost a hundred... as she lives forever in your heart, and now in ours... God bless your day. This was a sweet write indeed. Ann

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/16/2022 2:14:00 PM

Thank you so much, Ann. Yes, I believe this is the case. She is, as well, immortalized in the lives her descendents who will never forget her.