Jon Carter
GPC Student 2006
Unforgotten Memories
In a lifetime, there are only a few special relationships that are remembered no matter how long the memories may go back.. In my life, my great-Grandmother Liza was that special, unforgettable person. She was born Eliza Bradie Carter in 1909 in Madison County, Georgia. She achieved much success in education, which included being valedictorian of her high school class, and this was the building block of her character. She moved to the town of Loganville, GA in 1931, and here, she made the lasting impact on many people’s lives. The patience and perseverance of this Godly woman were unmatched. Eliza Carter was a special person to many people, and her impact in my life will never be forgotten.
At a young age, I remember making the forty-five minute trip to Grandmother Liza’s house. These one-to-one opportunities with my great-grandmother were hands down the most interesting visits of my childhood. At her house, which overlooked a lake, Grandmother would always be sitting on her front porch rocking the day away. Her face lit up as we pulled in, and it made me feel like she wanted to see me as much as I yearned to see her.
Originally intended for an hour trip, our visits turned into three or four hours when we got Grandmother to talk. The way she patiently listened to my little problems and life struggles were unique. She would intently listen, and she made it seem like she was struggling right along with me. After we would stop talking, she would ask us how we solved our problems that we had from our last visit with her, which were sometimes months apart. Grandmother Liza was quick to listen and slow to speak, but once she began talking, there was no end. She would share the latest news and politics she had encountered, and she wasn’t shy about speaking her mind about the important issues. One year, the former Governor Roy Barns visited the city of Loganville; a local paper caught my eighty-eight year old grandmother lecturing him about his politics. She was very subtle and polite in proving her point, but she was not afraid of sticking up for what she saw as right.
Amidst all the politics and problems, Grandmother Liza always had a way of brightening my day. Countless times, she would pull out the local paper and share her favorite comic of the week. At an age where I was trying to fit in at school, Grandmother always made me realize the crazy things we all do sometimes. She taught me to just laugh it off and stand above the crowd. Aside from her jokes, Grandmother Liza frequently shared her glory days at the hallowed grounds of the University of Georgia. I am proud to say that she attended the first football game played in legendary Sanford Stadium, in 1929. Grandmother passed down her respect for the Dawgs of Athens to my family, and I only hope to live as passionately as she did.
The most admirable characteristic of my great-grandmother was her love for the Lord. Throughout her eighties, Grandmother was seen making the half-mile walk to her church. She lived the life of a Godly woman, and even on her deathbed, Grandmother looked out for others more than herself. Being an active woman, she was devastated when she broke her hip when she was ninety-three. At this point, I realized that time was crucial to spend with the great woman. She overcame the doctor’s predictions, and she walked months before they thought she would. She portrayed her strong will that made her so admirable. Grandmother was always joyful and happy about life. She made each visit we made to her house worth while, and there was no way I could forget the memories again after she passed away in May 2003.
I miss those Saturday and summer afternoons with Grandmother and her infamous stories. I miss seeing her smile as well as feeling the touch of her loving hands. The twinkles of love in her eyes were obvious, and she made me feel loved when we were together. She will always be missed by family and friends, and the things she taught me will never be forgotten.