Never far from her Granny, a young Suzanne scurried about the creek bed picking up all kinds of little shiny little things and putting them in her knapsack. Within it she collected all manner of rocks, twigs, and flowers to show her grandmother and hopefully get her to a story about them. Suzanne a slight little girl with curly bright auburn hair wearing a hand-me-down clothes from the local charity. Abandoned by her mother nearly from birth, she had a curiosity and maturity few her young age processed. While most girls her age were just learning their numbers and the alphabet, Suzanne was already reading and often helped her grandma work up spells and create potions for those in need.
Estell Grant wasn’t always so old or granny-like, raising a brood of her own back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Her children were more interested in leaving the foothills of south Central Georgia then ever learning Mom’s “old folk ways”. Estell wasn’t always the nicest momma to be around, she was a task master who believed in strict discipline and hard work. Long abandoned by her husband, Estell clung to her children praying that hard work and even tougher love would keep straight and near home. Unfortunately it seemed the opposite effect, as one by one they left the impoverished foothills for the promise of a better life elsewhere…all except Gracie.
Gracie was the result of a momentary lapse of judgement, according to Estell. When one day her estranged husband’s came home, with promises that he had changed. So Gracie was conceived, and once again he quickly scampered away. Unlike her other siblings Gracie was a free spirit that often delighted in helping her mother Estell. But as Gracie grew she grew into a beautiful young teenager with plenty of young man a calling. Not only was she a free spirit but she grew into a bit of a rebel against momma’s rules. It wasn’t long after her 16th birthday Gracie got pregnant and nine months later gave birth to Suzanne. But just like it is with most young girls months of the time, opportunities for a young poor country girl were limited. So Gracie found a steady boyfriend with a decent job. But tragically after a Saturday of partying with friends, Gracie and her boyfriend were killed in a drunk driving accident. Now in her 60’s, Estell was left all alone with another small child to raise.
Suzanne grew up quickly, a little too quickly Estell thought. But throughout school she was a gifted student, full of curiosity and with a never ending supply of friends. After graduation, Suzanne stayed close to home to take care of her aging Granny, unlike her aunts and uncles who took full advantage of Suzanne’s love for her grandmother. It was the mid-2000’s and the Great Recession was in full swing. Most of her friends had moved on to college or better work in Macon or Atlanta. Luckily enough Suzanne secured herself a job at a local convenience store, quickly moving her was up to assistant manager. But because of her beauty, fair skin, and curly auburn hair; she was still one of the most popular gals in town. Every logger and log truck driver stopped by her store every morning coffee or energy drink, just to flirt and get a smile. While the temptations were plenty she didn’t allow herself the pleasure, not as long as her grandmother needed her. Tragically Estell passed away, and it wasn’t long before her children and their grandchildren were there to pick over her carcass like a band of vultures. When the dust settled and no will was to be found. Suzanne was left with a small share of the land’s value, along with the rest of the grandkids Estell hardly ever seen. So after a few months the house and property were sold, and Suzanne had to leave the only home she’d ever known.
Estell Grant wasn’t always so old or granny-like, raising a brood of her own back in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Her children were more interested in leaving the foothills of south Central Georgia then ever learning Mom’s “old folk ways”. Estell wasn’t always the nicest momma to be around, she was a task master who believed in strict discipline and hard work. Long abandoned by her husband, Estell clung to her children praying that hard work and even tougher love would keep straight and near home. Unfortunately it seemed the opposite effect, as one by one they left the impoverished foothills for the promise of a better life elsewhere…all except Gracie.
Gracie was the result of a momentary lapse of judgement, according to Estell. When one day her estranged husband’s came home, with promises that he had changed. So Gracie was conceived, and once again he quickly scampered away. Unlike her other siblings Gracie was a free spirit that often delighted in helping her mother Estell. But as Gracie grew she grew into a beautiful young teenager with plenty of young man a calling. Not only was she a free spirit but she grew into a bit of a rebel against momma’s rules. It wasn’t long after her 16th birthday Gracie got pregnant and nine months later gave birth to Suzanne. But just like it is with most young girls months of the time, opportunities for a young poor country girl were limited. So Gracie found a steady boyfriend with a decent job. But tragically after a Saturday of partying with friends, Gracie and her boyfriend were killed in a drunk driving accident. Now in her 60’s, Estell was left all alone with another small child to raise.
Suzanne grew up quickly, a little too quickly Estell thought. But throughout school she was a gifted student, full of curiosity and with a never ending supply of friends. After graduation, Suzanne stayed close to home to take care of her aging Granny, unlike her aunts and uncles who took full advantage of Suzanne’s love for her grandmother. It was the mid-2000’s and the Great Recession was in full swing. Most of her friends had moved on to college or better work in Macon or Atlanta. Luckily enough Suzanne secured herself a job at a local convenience store, quickly moving her was up to assistant manager. But because of her beauty, fair skin, and curly auburn hair; she was still one of the most popular gals in town. Every logger and log truck driver stopped by her store every morning coffee or energy drink, just to flirt and get a smile. While the temptations were plenty she didn’t allow herself the pleasure, not as long as her grandmother needed her. Tragically Estell passed away, and it wasn’t long before her children and their grandchildren were there to pick over her carcass like a band of vultures. When the dust settled and no will was to be found. Suzanne was left with a small share of the land’s value, along with the rest of the grandkids Estell hardly ever seen. So after a few months the house and property were sold, and Suzanne had to leave the only home she’d ever known.
RSS Feed