Her purse and shoes always matched her outfit. She had more shoes than my whole household. From head to toe she was a looker. And she NEVER and I mean NEVER left the house without red lipstick painted on her lips.
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| Beautiful Frances L. Gibson (Whalin). Born in 1929. Married to Edwin Whalin and my Mamaw. |
She grew up on a farm, knew how to chase a chicken down and pluck it for the night's meal. She could filet a fish, cook Brisket to perfection, sew any button, darn a sock and prepare homemade Buttermilk Biscuits in her sleep. Her sausage gravy was divine. Heart attack on a plate divine.
Okay, now she sounds like a Tall-Tale.
BUT...
In my young mind, she was fascinating. She was magical and seemed to do impossible feats.
There is one thing, one story I found out about her that truly shocked me. Actually, I have to say there are probably still stories of her I don't know because she lived such a rich life. Without further ado...
Mamaw raced in the PowderPuff Derby with the "Texas Tornado" Jalopi racing car.
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| This is the Texas Tornado that the Whalin family owned and the one my Mamaw raced. |
That's right. My spunky, feminine grandma took this car and raced it. Helmet and all. I found out that she ended up crashing the car in the derby. I still have a hard time picturing her racing!
In September of 2006, my precious Mamaw passed away after a battle with lung cancer. My heart aches. I miss her still. As it goes, I took her for granted and only wish I had more time with her. She was wonderful and I am so glad she was my grandmother.
What a great story! What a great woman she was! It sound alike you had a beautiful relationship. I love hearing stories about our grandparents. I'm so Glad MK inspired you to write this. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. It is so endearing to hear stories of our grandparents!
Deleteps Thanks for stopping by my page, too. I think your mamaw and my grampa would have had a good ol' time together. I hope our grandkids (of the future) have stories to tell about us someday!
DeleteSo your grandma actually did crazy things and I just thought my grandma did them. lol Hilarious! Great post!
ReplyDeleteOur grandmas probably would have had a ball together!!
DeleteI love the picture of her in the red hat and red lipstick. Wonderful to have such stories to tell.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I hope one day I will have some impressive tales to tell. I am going to dig out my red lipstick and where it (around the house, I am a chicken) with pride. :) xx
ReplyDeleteI am SO chicken to wear red lipstick too! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI wish I had a Mawmaw that cool!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I have a mamaw (also a Texas woman!) too! Your mamaw was so beautiful and brave!!
ReplyDeleteShe was indeed a beautiful woman all the way through her life by looking at the pics. She sounds awesome. Reading about you missing your grandma makes me miss mine and wish I could have her for just a little while longer.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
hi from mk's
Sounds like quite a lady!
ReplyDeleteIn both her photos she exudes spirited life. Look in those eyes and I think you catch a glimpse of the derby girl.
ReplyDelete