Page 28 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2023 - Online Magazine

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Life Through my Grandparents’ Eyes

by Tatum Duncan

hen I was first asked to easy. A lot was going on in the to work, but she doesn’t recall how
write this essay, three world, much like today. When she knew when to go back to work
Wpeople immediately my grandparents were my age, because they did not have a phone.
came to mind, my Grandaddy, Big President John F. Kennedy was I thought about how the times
Daddy, and Mimi. I was curious assassinated. The Cold War, the have changed. In the world I live
to know what life was like for threat of a nuclear conflict with in today, you can just text or call
my grandparents growing up, the Soviet Union, and the Vietnam people, but for my grandparents,
so I interviewed my three living War caused a lot of anxiety. It was it was not that easy. Even though
grandparents and traveled with a scary time, and these events Mimi lived through some very
them through their memories of a impacted their lives. Grandaddy scary times, she feels like she lived
time long ago. I didn’t realize that was worried about being drafted in the best time.
the stories they told would be so into the army, but he failed his
relevant to me today. physical because he was too tall by One bit of advice my grandparents
half an inch. I wonder what would gave me was to work hard. They
Jim Underwood is my Grandaddy. have happened to Grandaddy if he have all taught me a strong
He was born in 1945. He is a very had been drafted. I might not even work ethic. I learned that I have
easygoing, happy person who is be here today. something in common with my
caring and wise. He has always grandfathers when it comes to
been patient and supportive of When Kennedy was assassinated, school. It is not something I’ve
my decisions. He loves spending Mimi remembers everyone being ever enjoyed. Big Daddy thought
time with all his grandchildren sent home and being told they school was important, but it wasn’t
but especially me because I'm his would be notified when to return something he loved. He said he
favorite.
Ray Duncan “Big Daddy” was born
in 1944. He’s not the most patient
one in our family, and that is
probably where I get that character
trait. He is a very hard-working
kind soul whom I have learned
a lot from. He always speaks his
mind, and I love that about him.
My Mimi, Linda Duncan, was
born in 1944. She is an outgoing
“people” person who always wants
to help others. All three of my
grandparents are Christians and
have taught me how important it is
to be a follower of Christ.
My grandparents grew up in a
time when things were not always

28 Lubbock Senior Link