My grandmother, Ovice Stephens Roberts, had the kindest smile on this earth. Even when the gray clouds move out of the Atlanta skies, it will be just a little bit dimmer here because that smile has gone.
As I reflect on her life, I find myself amused at the things I remember about her. She always smelled good. Always. She had a funny giggle that was almost girlish at times. She loved her husband with all her heart, as well as her children and grandchildren. She was an amazing, amazing cook. She used to make homemade biscuits and a chocolate syrup to dip them in. We called in Chocolate Sop. It was pure heaven to the taste buds. She taught all of us so many lessons, but there are a few that stand out to me.

1. Jesus Loves You - My Grandmother Ovice was a Bible scholar and Sunday School teacher. Her knowledge of the Bible was astounding, and she lived her beliefs to the fullest.

2. You can stop any behavior with a grunt - My grandmother had a grunt that would stop us from any offensive behavior. It almost has to be heard and so it is difficult to describe in words. It was very brief and involved one sound: eh. It almost sounded like someone clearing their throat with purpose. It worked on me every time.

3. Peanut butter is good for you - Grandmother Ovice could not work a computer, nor did she watch cable television, but she knew the value of the protein contained in peanut butter long before the nutritional gurus came along. When we would stay at her house from time to time, our snacks did not consist of cookies, chips, or candy. It was peanut butter spread over a piece of whole wheat bread. She knew her stuff.

4. Never plant more zucchini than you can possibly eat - When I bought my first home I tilled a sunny patch of land and planted my own garden. My grandparents had the most amazing garden every year and fed the extended family luscious meals of homemade veggies and cornbread. I wanted a garden like theirs. In that first garden I planted seven rows of zucchini squash. Not seven plants. Seven rows. I supplied the entire neighborhood with zucchini that summer. Ovice and Papa laughed about that for years, and every spring thereafter she would remind me to only plant one or two squash plants. Then she would giggle.

5. Reading is fundamental - My grandmother had a difficult early life and did not have the educational opportunities others had. However, she read constantly. She found every word interesting and she had a remarkable memory for what she read. She was one of the smartest people I've ever met.

6. Take time to watch the birds - Ovice and Papa, in their later years, placed birdfeeders outside their porch and for hours on end they would sit and watch the beautiful birds who came by to enjoy the feast. It was perhaps the most serene place I have ever sat. There was no hustle and bustle, no television. Occasionally, one of them would say, "Did you see that one? So beautiful!" There's a lot to be learned from slowing down and watching.

Rest in peace, sweet Ovice. I know Papa was waiting anxiously at the gate for you. I hope the two of you are basking in God's love and watching the birds. That's how I am imagining you. We miss you here already.