FIRST AREA FCU

Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022

The Sentinel JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE

Spade

Continued from Page 32

weed stems and twiddled them into a shape of a sword. He used black electrical tape to keep it together and used a piece of thin foam at the end where the arrow head was to be placed, so when used no one would get hurt. I being the concerned Nana said, “This looks too dangerous to play with,” so I placed it in the car and now use it to clean the dash where I am not able to reach.

Back in the day on our travels through McAlisterville, as we passed by Cocolamus Creek Disposal’s metal junk pile he would say, “I sure would like to have a day to go through that pile.” I said, “Why would you like to do that?” He said, “So I can make stuff.” I had a notion to speak to the owners to see if he could do that. But of course, with today’s liability laws, I didn’t take the time to ask anyone.

In the 2013 he went with me to set up the concession stand to sell food. I allowed him to reach into the pockets of the money bag, which was like an apron. He would assist me by giving the correct change to the customers. He also helped me to create a water pond for the neighbor’s ducks, wild animals or birds to use. Jumper enjoyed the outdoors like myself. He was a delight to have around.

When Jumper was 11 years old I bought a table that needed assembled and he indicated that he could assemble it. We decided to do this together. He placed all the pieces where they needed to be and we both tightened the hardware. I was so impressed!

God designed and created Jumper very uniquely and is another very special grandson. He is a very studious student, earning a 96.5 GPA at East Juniata High School and is planning to join the National Honor Society. He races RC cars, enjoys playing Fortnight, and plays soccer and basketball. He is my Little Delightful!

Amos-John Foster Paul Kipp is 9 years old, the fourth grandchild born, which Gary named “The Beef” and I named “Little Dumplin.’” Jumper Jairemiee’s brother. He was the chunkiest grandchild we had. As Amos-John was growing we found him to be the cuddliest one.

At approximately 1- or 2-years-old he would get all the toys from the toy box, would not play with them, but had them scattered all around the floor. I would say to Gary, “I don’t understand why Amos-John has to have the toys lay around and do something else.” Gary said, “He probably thinks that’s the way they should look.”

He would play, and as he would play, he would take time to go to his mother or myself to give little kisses. Whether it be on our cheeks or arm wherever he could reach and go on his way again. We found that he was the more lovable, huggy type. He also learned to play cards at a young age. I believe he was 4-years-old when he learned to play SKIPPO.

Amos-John enjoyed building puzzles and coloring. It didn’t matter to him whether he stayed in the lines or not until he became a little older. In 2020 he was 7-years-old and he did not enjoy playing Fortnight nor did he like battle. He had a more sensitive heart.

In 2021 their parents parted. Amos-John, his brother and mother came to live with me temporarily. He shared with me that he had nightmares each night and had a difficult time going to sleep. Each night he and I would take turns reading the Holy Bible for children, before going to sleep as well as, singing gospel songs. Amos-John enjoys driving the golf cart. We dug young trees from the forest and planted them together. The trees are surviving, yay!

This year we had severe storms and high waters. He enjoys being out in the rain. He takes his shoes off to walk on the water-top grass to the creek and to enjoys the different water temperatures between his toes. He insists on carrying items to the house and he helps shoveling snow. He really enjoys assisting me.

Amos-John continues to enjoy building puzzles, playing Yahtzee and card games, and he is not as cuddly. We went shopping and he chose to get two children’s ties, with dress shirts, T-shirts and hats with color coordination. I was chuckling inside, but very impressed with his choice of designs.

On Jan. 31, Stony Run Mission Church had a hymn sing event and he wanted to sing a song with me. He wore an outfit to church with the tie. He chose a song entitled, “Love Can Build a Bond” with The Judds’ music and revised lyrics. Before we sang he said, “Nana I need to go to the bathroom.” Well, when he came back I noticed he wet his hair to style it better. I just chuckled inside. Amos-John does not always want to keep his hair styled nicely — he seems to amaze me by times. He is my Dumplin’!

With Owen being my Little Lovey, Cora being my Little Darlin’, Jairemiee being my Little Delightful and Amos-John being my Little Dumplin’, I just want to thank Jesus for giving me the special time and physical ability with wonderful memories to enjoy each grandchild with their own special personalities.

Mary Lou Spade holds a family photo, which shows her four grandchildren.

First Area Federal Credit Union

BONNIE K. FISHER, MANAGER Phone (717) 248-5103 Fax (717) 248-9672

Plan for your future by planning with us! Anyone living or working in Miffl in County can join.

23 South Dorcas Street, Lewistown, PA 17044 www.fi rstareafcu.com • Email: fafcu@fi rstareafcu.com