In 2019 I have a lot of BIG goals. One of them is to use my platform to not only share stories about the women I meet through The Glama Project and what's new with "us"- but also share stories from YOU!
"GLAMories" (GLAM + Memories = GLAMories) is a new segment in our blog that is meant to be a place where others can share memories, stories, pay tribute or gush about those special ladies in our lives that we call "Grandma."
Our first memory was submitted by Kristie Hoppe. I met Kristie through instagram and she's one of The Glama Project's (TGP) biggest fans. We knew by all her comments that she felt really tied to this project and I just had to reach out to ask why? ....
Turns out, she too had a very special relationship with her Grandmother and that the project reminded her of how special that bond was. So that got me thinking, why not share her story.
<< puts on interview hat and grabs a pen >>
TGP: So Kristie, what do you think it is about a girls relationship with her Grandmother that makes it so special?
Kristie: "Grandmothers are wise and have a lot of life experience and may become a girl's first role model. I think that what makes the bond so special is that besides our mothers they are the people who shape us into the young ladies we are today. "
TGP: Take us back to a really fun day with your Grandma. What did you two do?
Kristie: "I used to sleep over at my grandma's house every other weekend. She lived in a small but cute town in New Jersey that I still visit and adore. One morning when I was about 12 years old she took me to a little diner for breakfast and we had blueberry pancakes and apple juice, which was and still is my favorite.
While we were finishing breakfast she asked me where I wanted to go next. Because I loved reading (I inherited that from her) we went to the bookstore. We spent pretty much the rest of the afternoon in there and she bought me the book I had my eye on for hours. That night we both read books in her living room before we went to sleep. It may seem simple but that was our favorite thing to do together"
TGP: Can you tell us about a time where your Grandmother taught you an important life lesson? And if so, what was it?
Kristie: "When my grandmother was in her 20s she went to nursing school, earned her LPN and worked as a nurse. However, she struggled financially while raising four kids on her own after she left a bad marriage. Eventually, she met the love of her life and had her fifth child. She was the happiest she had been in a long time. Tragically he passed from a heart attack early in their marriage and again she was left in a financial rut but with another mouth to feed. She continued to work hard despite her loss and eventually earned enough to support her children single-handedly. By telling me her life story, she taught me to be independent, to care for others, and to trust in God."
TGP: Do you know what your grandmother did as a career growing up? If so, tell us a little bit about her life as a younger woman.
Kristie: "While mothering five children my grandmother worked at various hospitals for 30 years as an LPN. She volunteered on her local ambulance squad."
TGP: Did Grandma have any nicknames? Stories behind those nicknames?
Kristie: "My grandmother's nickname was June which was her middle name. She went by her middle name because it was easier for strangers to pronounce than her first name."
TGP: We understand your grandmother is no longer with us. If you could tell her anything - what would you want to say?
Kristie: "I would just want to say thank you for helping to raise me and pushing me to pursue my dreams. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without you."
TGP: Is there anything else about your Grandma that you want us to know?
Kristie: "Besides reading and music, she loved makeup as I do. She would never go anywhere without doing her hair and makeup. She loved mascara and Covergirl lipstick. As she got older and lost most of her eyesight to macular degeneration I helped her do her makeup and it is some of the best time I had spent with her."
Kristie we are so happy to share your story! Glama June sounds like one incredible woman. I think the next time any of us have pancakes - blueberry or not - we'll be thinking of her!
XOXO,
The Glama Project