The Life and the Legacy of Clark Kenneth Jones

Hi, Everyone!

As you can probably tell, I’ve been some kinda busy learning the differences between social science and regular science. You know, if I’m gonna be a great teacher, I at least gotta learn it before I talk about it—at least that was the attitude that my Grampa Clark had.

And speaking of my Grampa Clark, he is the subject of today’s blog post.

I am happy to report that my family has decided to write a book all about the life and the legacy of the man known as Clark Kenneth Jones. I know I have shared my few little moments with you all… and yes, I am aware that though few and few between as those moments may be, they are still very precious. I’m just saying that I wish Grampa Clark could’ve stayed around a little longer so I could have a few more of those precious memories.

In any event, here’s how this book idea came about: About an hour ago, I was on the phone with my Aunt Cherri (who is still in the process of writing her autobiography), and while we were talking, she just all of a sudden shouted: “Hot Damn—there’s an idea that we can all participate in!”

Of course, I asked Auntie Cherri what all the excitement was all about, and she told me that she had just happened to be looking at a family photo that was taken back in 1978 (Auntie Cherri was ten years old, and my mom was only six) I had seen that picture once before; it was the time that Grampa Clark and Gramma Jewel moved to Sapphire Street. Well anyway, that photo inspired Auntie Cherri to start writing a book about Grampa Clark’s life and legacy, and all of us who knew and loved him, will have an opportunity to contribute—and y’all already know that I’m all for this idea! Matter of fact, while Auntie Cherri was telling me her idea, I started brainstorming ideas to how Grampa Clark’s influence and legacy guided me to my dream of being a kindergarten teacher.

Uh-oh, y’all—I’ve got another brainstorm!

I’m gonna have to talk to Auntie Cherri this weekend, but I would love to write the forward or the introduction to this book project. I want to include the definition of the word “legacy,” and put a picture of the entire family with the definition… hell, I’ll holla at y’all later—I want to get started on it right now!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Remembering Grampa Clark's 80th Birthday

Hi, Everybody!

Well, today is August 13, 2014, and there’s no sense in fighting the inevitable. Each and every one of us knew that this day would come, but we don’t shed any tears… okay, we have tears of laughter, but that’s about it. Other than that, my family looks back on this very day with great fondness on account of today is a special milestone in our family. It is on this day that we celebrate the life, the love, and the legacy of our original partriarch. To me, he was Grampa; to my mom, he was Daddy; to my Gramma Jewel, he was Dallin; to my Cousin Jade, he was Uncle; and to my Great Aunt Donna, he was Big Brother.

That’s right, y’all—I’m talking about the legendary Mr. Clark Kenneth Jones!

If he didn’t have to go to Heaven so soon, Grampa Clark would’ve been 80 years old today. As we sat around at breakfast today, we reminisced about all of the great things that he did, not just for his family, but also for those with whom he came in contact. I’ve already shared my favorite Grampa Clark story with you on multiple occasions—how he would change the words of the TV show That Girl and dedicate it to me… that’s a memory that I will never forget in my heart. Of course, Gramma Jewel fondly recalls the thirty-four years that she was married to Grampa Clark, and even though she has moved on, she still recognizes her wedding anniversary and Grampa Clark’s birthday; after all, she can never forget her first true love.

And then of course, there was the Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame celebration this past December, where my Uncle Anthony accepted the award and gave such a heartwarming and heartfelt speech that you would’ve thought Grampa Clark was in the room with us.

Those who knew my Grampa Clark can tell you: It didn’t matter if it was five years or five minutes—Grampa Clark loved to make you feel important, but he also loved to make you feel loved. I wish I had had the chance to really know him a little better, but the few little memories that I have of him still serve as a testament to his character. As for the rest of the family, they can smile in great fondness over the way he taught them how to drive, how to cook a decent cheeseburger, and in my Cousin Jade’s case, she will never forget how he walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. Grampa Clark was just that kinda guy!

In closing today’s blog post, I would like to say: There’s no better way to celebrate my Grampa Clark’s 80^th Birthday than with a fond memory, and his legendary quote:

YOU BETTER KNOW THAT’S RIGHT!!!

Happy #80, Grampa Clark—I already know that you’re still celebrating, so I’ll just say… I LOVE YOU!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

The First Freestyle Friday of September

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Back by popular demand—but mainly because I don’t have anything to talk about—it’s Freestyle Friday… hahaha!

Well, for starters, I finished that exclusive term paper in my Biblical Studies class. I trust that my instructor will like it; after all, I did plenty of research and meditation of the scriptures to make sure that I knew exactly what I was talking about. I think I mentioned it earlier this week, but I chose to talk about Psalm 125, particularly that very first verse that reminds us that we who trust in The Lord shall be like Mount Zion—no matter what comes our way, we will not waver in our faith in He who made the heavens and the earth. I may have typed up four or five pages, and that’s not counting the cover page and my references.

In other news, I just mailed off a letter to my sweetie pie Ray Hernandez. I didn’t really write a whole lot, but I did let him know that he really swept a girl off her feet this summer. Seriously, y’all—Ray made me feel so special when I was home for three long summer months. I may have mentioned that my dad and my uncles have always made me feel special, of which they do a great job—they are my family after all. I’m just saying that it means that much more when someone outside my family treats me special like that. Well, Ray went out of his way to treat me like a rare rose. I’m serious, y’all—he is such a gentleman… and yes, I’m gettin’ giddy all over again!

Finally, I want to acknowledge yet another milestone that took place this week: It was exactly twenty years ago that Mr. D became my Grampa Clark’s successor and took the role as kindergarten teacher up at Sapp Elementary School. Well, technically, Mr. D’s official day of teaching fell on Tuesday, September 7, 1993, but yet and still, we celebrate his great milestone. I would personally like to congratulate Mr. D for his big accomplishment, and also wish him many more years with the Sappsters. I’m very certain that Grampa Clark is smiling down from Heaven, just cheesin’ away. And heck—on behalf of Grampa Clark, I’ll just go ahead and say: “Good job well done, Mr. Bert—keep up the good work!”

Hahaha! There were stories of my Grampa Clark intentionally yet humorously mispronouncing Mr. D’s first name, so that’s why I said “Mr. Bert” as opposed to “Mr. Bret”.

Well, y’all—that’s gonna do it for me today. I may holla at y’all tomorrow, and then again, I may not; after all, I am officially an upperclasswoman at Rust College and my social life has seemingly picked up somewhat… hahaha! Hopefully, I’ll be able to carve out some time to holla at y’all, but in the meantime, y’all be good and take it light. Peace Out!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha