My Grandparents - A Love Story (and layout)

(*Update - scroll down) I confess.  I'm a procrastinator.  I admit it, and I embrace it.   With that being said, I'm flying in by the seat of my pants (again) to celebrate my pal Monica's birthday.  She's having a big birthday bash and it was the perfect time for me to create this layout that I've been meaning to do.  

I received this photo a few months ago from my cousin.  These are my grandparents when they were just starting out on their journey in life.  Their's was a grand love story.  Their love for one another was evident, unabashed and eternal.  Even in old age, when both were separated by health issues and finally death, their love for one another never wavered.  I wondered how my grandmother would ever survive the death of her beloved, but survive she did.  She was a strong woman and I loved them both dearly.

Her many grandchildren remember her garden and some have grown today, tending gardens of their own.  She grew sunflowers, peas, and eggs (from the chicken coop!).  

As much as she loved to garden, she loved my grandfather more, as did he.  They had such respect for one another and it's a shame that you don't see much of that in this day and age.  I love the movie, "Nottinghill" and drew inspiration for the "garden" reference above.  Remember the scene in the movie where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant are reading the memorial plaque on the park bench?  I get all weepy just thinking about it!

To create my 8.5" x 11" scrapbook page, I used lots of Graphic 45 papers including Communique, A Proper Gentleman, A Time to Flourish August (sunflowers), G45 Typography washi tape and die cuts.  All my adhesives and foam squares are from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L.

I also used my Tombow calligraphy pen to letter my grandparent's names, and a white gel pen to letter the sentiment below.

I miss them so much.  I'm so proud of the legacy they left to our family.....the family values..... the love.  I know my cousins and other extended family feel the same way.   So, I pay tribute to them today and leave a little piece of them to pass on to my own son.  One day, he'll share these stories with his own children and that brings me joy.

*Update!  Since posting this project,  I learned from my cousins that yes,  my grandfather had just begun courting my grandmother.   My cousin Kimberly,  sent me these photos below which was my grandfather's calling card and included his own hand designed initials.   

In addition,  that is my grandfathers first car in the photo above.   I'm thrilled to discover these additional tidbits. 

P. S.... Happy National Cousins Day,  to the best cousins on the planet! 

Now, since I procrastinated (sigh), you don't have much time to join the party, if you'd like to link up to Monica's birthday bash.  Here's the link though.

Monica's Birthday Bash at Taylormade4U Cards

You have until 5/31/17 to link up your creation.  There's a mood board too, to get your mojo going!

Thanks for stopping in and listening to me share a piece of my heart with you!  Terri

Also sharing in these challenges:

Graphic 45 May Challenge on Facebook (Scrapbook layout)

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge (Circles)

Word Art Wednesday Anything Goes Challenge #284-285

Graphic 45 - Communique Collection - Deluxe Collector's Edition - 12 x 12 Papercrafting

from: Scrapbook.com

3L - Scrapbook Adhesives - EZ Runner - Permanent - Ultra

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