Thursday, November 4, 2010

Who is Beatrice Banks?

The Story of Beatrice Banks-

I am Beatrice Banks, a combination of genetics and inherited traits from my parents. Beatrice M. is my paternal grandmother. E. Banks is my maternal grandmother. These two women were hard working, humble souls who lived a simple but meaningful life. Both worked diligently. Both raised large families. Tough times produced tough women. Yet, their hearts were as soft as the cotton they picked.


Beatrice M. was creative with a capital C. She gardened, sewed, crocheted, and cooked. Oh, the things that lady made with her hands which were wrinkled and callused from years of working the fields. Those same hands were unselfish, always looking for ways to give to others, even on a limited income. I never heard her speak an unkind word about anyone. There wasn’t a soul she didn’t love. Any time you stopped by her house, she’d have a big spread waiting for you at the table, (fresh from the garden with a pan of cornbread, of course) in a moment's flash. Such a hostess! After dinner was finished and kitchen cleaned, you'd find her sitting in her favorite chair reading the Bible, no matter who was around. It was her routine, but more than that, her passion. Sometimes she'd reach for an old hymnal and sing me a tune. To this day it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. I loved to stay with her in the summer.  By the time I woke up in the mornings, she would have already put in a morning's work in the garden.  She was a great story teller too.  I have so many fond memories of her. Her walk with the Lord was so real. She was a Sunday school teacher for 45 years. Talk about commitment.  Beatrice M. was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. She was graceful in every situation.

E. Banks loved having her family around. Her children and grandchildren were the highlight of her life. Holidays were a celebration at the Banks’ house. I suppose this is one reason holidays are big at my house. The heart of E's home was the kitchen. My mom and her 3 sisters would all gather in the tiny kitchen to help prepare dinner but the dressing making was reserved for E. (I must insert that my mom is the wind beneath my wings. Another post later.) E. worked very hard at her job in the hospital. She didn’t drive so when we’d go visit, we’d pick her up from work. She’d come out in her little pink jacket. Back in the day, that kind of seemed out of the norm to me because most women her age didn’t work outside the home. I guess in my mind, a grandma was supposed to be sitting in a rocking chair knitting. But she knew what she needed to do to survive and a survivor she was! She was well liked by her coworkers and a friend to many. I still remember her laughter even though her mind and body were stressed with the cares of life. Lord, help me remember to laugh even in hard times. E. Banks was faithful to God and family. She was grateful for her blessings.
Tara Cooks.com

The greatest compliment I’ve ever received was “you remind me of your grandmother Beatrice.” I’ve not lived up to those words by any means, but it’s my daily goal. I seek to live gracefully with a grateful heart.
I have a rich heritage and do not want to take it for granted. Both B and E have departed this life for a better one. I hope a little bit of them lives on in me.


This blog is dedicated to “Beatrice Banks,” my true source of inspiration.

All photos are Google images approved for reuse. 
Graphics from The Graphic Fairy.

21 comments:

wetoilpaint said...

Best wishes on your new blog.

Cindy said...

Hello my friend,
What a sweet story, no wonder this name means so much to you.
Love and hugs, Cindy

D.B. said...

Well, look at you! What a great homage to both of these special women! You bet I'll follow you. To new beginnings. God's blessings!

Deb said...

Good luck on your new adventure -- enjoy the ride!

Deb

The Inspired Nest said...

I wish you the best with this new blog and I will happily follow you on your new journey!
Lacy

Lakeshore Cottage Living said...

You are a delight! I would love to continue following your journey and look forward to it.

Southwest Cottage Designs said...

Congratulations on this new adventure! I love that you have given honor to both of your grandmothers with your blog.

Lynn said...

Wishing you the best of luck with your new blog.. I'm real happy to be following you on your new journey..

Blessings,
~Lynn

Natasha in Oz said...

They sound like incredible women. You are so lucky to have these special ladies as role models.

Congratulations on this gorgeous new blog Tammy!

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Beautiful post. Beautiful new blog. Congratulations!
hugs,
Leslie

Donnie said...

That was just beautiful. I felt like I knew these two women right away. Moving around as much as I did as a child and then a Coast Guard wife I met some beautiful living examples of God's love for me. That was because He allowed me to come across these ladies and men too. My blog is only 2 months old and I have met some wonderful people through it. Enjoy.

Diann said...

Hi Tammy!

What a great tribute to both of your grandma's! And the blog dsign is just beautiful! I might have to check out your "blog designer" because I am ready for a change on my blog!

Kathy said...

This is a wonderful tribute to your grandmothers -I think your new blog looks great

Patti's Artful Design said...

What a lovely legacy you have been given, Tammy. A very lovely posting.

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

So glad you stopped by and are following -- so I could find you, too. LOVE the way you chose your blog name! Such wonderful family memories are a blessing, aren't they?

Renee said...

I found your blog through the Booked for Christmas contest and just had to comment on this beautiful story of your Godly heritage! I love the whole idea of your site. I blog at http://reneeannsmith.com/ and call my blog Doorkeeper because of a special quote and a special friend . . . Blessings!

Mountain Mama said...

This is just beautiful. My grandma Lucy Banks, was hard working too, and a fascinating woman.

Simply Debbie said...

I must dry my tears...what a beautiful tribute to three remarkable women in your life and I know your two grandma's are smiling down at you. My grandmother Minnie was very much like Beatrice.
A Tribute full of grace, elegance, humility, respect and love.
I don't know if you will see this post because all the comments are from 2010 but I wanted you to know I became a friend/follower...I like friend better than follower and I also posted your blog button with pride. What a friend you are.
Have A Sugar Sweet Day
Hugs
Simply Debbie

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

This is just the loveliest tribute to these amazing women! What a blessing to have had them in your life to influence you and generations to follow!

Pamela Bates said...

What a lovely 'ode' to your grandmothers. One of my Grams was Beatrice too. Thanks so much for coming by Mercantile Muse. It means so much to me. love the pic of the boys walking on the beach!

Zane Wooder said...

Your grandmother sounds like a amazing person. I'm sure you learned a lot by the way she lived her life.

-Zane of ontario honey