"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou
hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will
praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully
made: marvellous are thy works; and that
my soul knoweth right well."
Psalms 139:13-14 KJV
Like a warm summer breeze or the cold sting of a
stormy winter gale, both running their courses only to vanish, leaving but a brief
remembrance of their existence, so goes our lives with all its fleeting memories. Both the
warm and tender and those that are cold and harsh, passing across our mountains of triumph
and dipping down into our valleys of despair, only to pass from our sight, leaving but a
whisper of their presence with us. So goes my childhood...
My memories, are indeed some of the
most special gifts that the Lord has given me! For years I have kept diaries and journals
of all sorts; special thoughts here and there, day to day journaling, prayer diaries,
homeschooling experiences, and sketchings of special places and things that I didn't want
to forget. My mind becomes so full at times that I just have to get it all down on paper!
Some of these memories are stored away in old bags or boxes, but most are kept up
here in my mind. That continual running motion picture that we all call
"life!"
April 22, 1961, may not be a noted
day in history for most of you, but it was for my parents, Don and Monetta Byus. It was on
this glorious day that "I," their second child, was born! I made my first grand
appearance in the small town of Bellville, Illinois. My dear parents named me Donnetta
Carol Byus. Like most babies, I don't recall anything about that special day, but I enjoy
listening to the stories, and reminiscing while watching our old home movies of
"those" days gone by!
Some of the most cherished memories
of my young life were spent at my Gramma and Grampa Smith's home in O'Fallon,
Illinois. They had a big old house with lots of rooms and I remember very clearly to this
day, searching every nook and cranny that my little frame could squeeze into, looking for
those special hidden "treasures," and then begging Gramma to let me take them
home! Indeed, I did find treasure too!
Some of the things I remember most
special were the rolls and rolls of brightly colored rug fabric and a small collection of
seashells that Grampa had. There was a beautiful pink and white shell that Grampa let me
hold and he told me that if I put it up to my ear I could hear the sea whispering to
me!
Holidays in that big old house were
not to be forgotten! Family would gather in the parlor room for our familiar Christmas
celebration! It was soooo wonderful! Gramma and Grampa would have the same Christmas tree
year after year. It was the most wonderful tree I had ever seen! It was completely made up
of silver tencil and there was a wheel of four colored plates with a light behind them.
The wheel would turn ever so slowly casting a rainbow of bright colors all over
those glistening, silvery branches! I would sit beneath that tree for hours! Oh, how I
would love to find another tree just like that one for our children.
The season wouldn't be complete if I
didn't mention all the sweet and spicy goodies that graced my Gramma's kitchen table! She
was a fabulous cook and always had plenty of food for everyone to enjoy! Roast
turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and brown gravy, sliced baked ham, candied yams,
homemade bread, garden-fresh snap beans and corn that Grampa grew and Gramma canned. And
of course my favorite--Gramma's homemade bread and butter pickles! Yummy!!! I especially
enjoyed the wide assortment of cookies, cakes, pies, and candies that each member of the
family contributed to our feast! "Divinity" is undoubtedly my favorite! I loved
to watch Gramma make it. She turned a sticky, sugary mess into a yummy bowl of pure white
heaven! Then she would dip the candy out onto waxed paper and leave it there to dry
for what seemed to be eternity! I couldn't wait to lick the bowl! Gramma's
kitchen was sooo warm and inviting. Just like her smile! I adored her. I see, now, the
powerful impact that a grandparent can have on their grandchildren. The warm smiles and
tight hugs, the encouraging words, and a love that never seemed to fail! It all left such
a profound impact on "this" child, that now, 37 years later, I find myself
"overflowing" with the same warm, fuzzy feelings towards my own little ones,
just as Gramma and Grampa gave me, so unselfishly, sharing everything they had and
especially themselves! I'm looking forward to our Lord's return when once again I'll see
the faces of those loved ones, who have etched such a deep impression on my soul...I loved
them dearly. I miss you Gramma and Grampa!
My tribute to Roy and Ruby Smith, November 21, 1998.
Love,
~Donnetta~
Please send me your
thoughts and comments!
Background music from Paul's
Place
Last modified February 20, 1999
Copyright © 1999 The Rogers Family 13! |