MOLLY MAID

32—Lewistown, PA

The Sentinel JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE

Precious memories can’t be taken

My name is Mary Lou Spade. Some people might know me as “The Hot Dog Lady.”

I once was married to Gary Spade — now deceased — with two surviving children, Antoinette Spade and Moses Spade, and four surviving grandchildren. Two belonging to each child.

Owen Spade is 16 years old; he was the first grandchild born into our family. Belonging to our only son Moses and his wife Kendra. I was able to witness his birth coming into this world. I named him “Little Lovey” and Gary called him “Oee.” As a baby, I remember my Little Lovey laughing and kicking his little legs a lot. Owen is a very special grown grandson that means so much to me, he is always willing to help me, especially in time of need.

When Owen was a few years younger, just learning to operate the riding mower, I asked him to mow the lawn. Missing spots here and there which caused me to chuckle. Recently, I needed help to get a bedroom suit into the house and I asked him to come down to help. With no hesitation he was willing to assist me. He now has his driver’s license and a parttime job, and also makes me chuckle by changing his hair color to blue.

This generation is so different than what I was born into. Boys would have gotten made fun of if they colored their hair blue.

Cora Spade is 14 years old; the second grandchild born, Owen’s sister, who Gary named “Tinkerbell” as well as “Pappy’s ‘Little Angel,” and I named “Little Darlin.’” At very young age Cora was a very sensitive little sweetheart. Life isn’t always filled with happy, happy, joy, joy experiences. So much that when I had asked a little boy to get rid of a turtle, which I thought was a snapping turtle, Cora continued to say no, no.

Cora did not want that turtle to get hurt. Of course, I being her Granny making the adult decision to prevent injury to any of the other children, the little one obeyed my decision. That was the most devastating thing that I ever had to witness. The unintentional hurt that I caused my Little Darlin’. She ran somewhere cried and cried. I thought I was doing the right thing to protect. Not Cora, she cried so hard that I had to seek forgiveness from her, in which she accepted my apology and forgave me.

At a young age Cora was always outgoing, fun, thoughtful, extra sweet personality, very kind, never had a thought of unkindness in her being. She also offered to mow the lawn when I was not physically able. Of course, she had to be taught and she did a good job. Now she is able to more things on her own.

Christmas of 2021 Cora made me a pot holder which had the Holy Bible with an overlapping cross stitched on it, which really touched my heart. She knows how important Jesus is to me and it was a wonderful heartfelt gift to receive from a grandchild. Unexpectedly she takes the time to wrap her arms behind me around my neck to give me a special hug, in which I will never take for granted. She is my very special Little Darlin’!

Jairemiee Kipp is 13-years-old, the third grandchild born belonging to our only daughter, Antoinette (Spade) Kipp and her recently ex-husband, Jeremy Kipp. Gary named him “Jumper” and I “Little Delightful.” I continue to call him Jumper Jairemiee to be able to distinguish between he and his father. It was totally different when their children were born.

Antoinette needed help with raising the children, and she wanted her children to build a special relationship with us. Therefore, they visited with us a great deal more than Moses’ children, and the bonding of the children was much closer. Since our family had interest in playing games Jumper was taught around 3-years-old to play, whether it be cards or board games.

As Jumper became of an age to be creative — being 4- or 5-years-old (not sure), he would make things with whatever he thought of creating. The date was not applied on these inventions. For example, he gathered up toothpicks, glued them together in a square shape and made a trinket box, in which I have yet.

He enjoyed collecting knives and tinkering around. At approximately 7 years of age he tried to create a wishing well or a bird house, which is placed under a large elm tree in the yard. He used extra pieces of pre-treated cut lumber that I kept for crafts. He would also draw unique pictures freehand. When he learned to print he was very neat with the letters and numbers. I was so impressed!

Jumper also enjoyed playing with balls, whether it be Wiffle ball, kickball or softball. He had this special stanza about him, the way he would move or stand. It reminded me of how the professionals do and how they go after the ball and not waiting for the ball to come to them. I felt he should have had a private professional ball player to take the time to train him.

Near the same age he found two sturdy strong

Mary Lou Spade

See Spade / Page 33

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