Little Things My West Texas Grandparents Did That Meant Everything

You don't realize how important the little things were when you were a kid. I was reminded of just how much I miss my grandparents when I wrote an article last week about Showplace 6, Lubbock's long-gone dollar movie theater.

West Texas grandparents are the best, and I wanted to share a little of what made mine so special with you today.

The Saloon Doors

My grandparents had these swinging saloon doors in their hallway. They were like something straight out of an old western movie. I probably spent half of my childhood running through them, pretending I was a cowboy, outlaw, detective, or whatever my little imagination came up with that day. To the adults around, they were just some cool doors. To me, they were straight-up magic. They made playing pretend at their house so special.

Playtime

They took a lot of naps, and looking back, I realize it's because they were old and worn out from chasing me around all day. However, they still found ways to make my time at their house exciting. Paper dolls, old toys from my mom's childhood tucked away in drawers and cabinets, and a backyard with a seesaw made out of a 2x4 and an old sawhorse with door nobs on each end of the board for handles.

Dangerous? Yes.

Amazingly fun? Also yes.

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Fried Pies For All!

If you grew up around your West Texas grandparents the way I did, then you already know their love language was bargain snacks. Mine always had day-old Mrs. Baird's fried pies. My grandpa would visit nearly every day and buy whatever was left over from the previous day. Did I know or care that they weren't fresh? Nope. Not at all. Never even crossed my mind.

Cornbread

My grandmother was also an incredible cook. Most of our grandmothers are, right? It's kind of...part of their gig. When I think of their house, the smell of cornbread immediately comes to mind. She always had a fresh pan on the stove, and I don't think I went a single day at their house without a slice of cornbread.

The Magic Stocking

Christmas at my grandparents' house was the best, too. Every year, my grandmother pulled out "The Magic Stocking." During the days leading up to Christmas, I got to reach inside the stocking once a day for a tiny surprise like a coloring book, a Slinky, or a little dollar store treat of some sort. It probably didn't cost much at all, but to me, it was enormous. They made my childhood feel like something out of a storybook.

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The Old Ford

My grandpa drove an ancient Ford that only left the driveway for church. No seatbelts or modern technology. Smelled like cigars and gasoline. I remember waving at everyone we passed on the way to Sunday school, and he proudly grinned, happy to show off his cute granddaughter.

It's funny how the smallest things end up becoming your biggest memories. Now, all it takes is a whiff of cornbread, an old Forn, and walking through swinging doors somewhere, and suddenly, I'm a kid again.

West Texas Grandparents Are The Best

If you still have yours, give them an extra hug for me.

I'll leave you with a photo of me playing in my grandparents' front yard, circa 1991.

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