My dad's parent's, Lloyd and Pearl Cooper I love old family photos.  I am particularly fond of this one as it is of my grandma and grandpa Cooper.  Weren't they a handsome couple?!!  Well...I think so, but I happen to be a little partial!  :)  We lost grandpa too early.  He died in the early 60's when I was only a pre-teen and grandma would live on into her 80's.  I was very close to her and loved how she was so attentive to us.  When we were lucky enough to talk our parents into spending the night or a weekend with her, it was always filled with games, experimental cooking, creative fun and lots of laughing!  Often my cousins Tony and Kathy would be there as well - and the party was on!!  Grandma always made the time fun and memorable, getting out whatever special dishes, dress up clothes or sweet treats she could find.  Her influence must have stayed with me as my family now teasingly call me "Pearl" because I also love to see them laugh and enjoy themselves and will do most anything to serve and wait on them to that end.  

There aren't many "Pearl's" out there.  It is rare to find a gem who truly wants to invest in your little world.  I cannot remember her ever getting angry or saying a harsh word.  I'm sure she wasn't perfect, but to me there wasn't a better representation of godliness.  Of course she was grandma...and grandma's get to spoil and play - and then give the grand kids all back to their parents!  But then, isn't that what grandparents are for?

We have a 10 month old grand baby now.  I hope to share some "Pearl" influence on that little guy as he grows and experiences life!  How we love to watch him grow and observe his every expression and activity!  I can only pray that one day he will have an old photo of me and share similar memories of his grandma!