Every story has a side...

The story of my life didn’t start the day that I was born. The story of my life started with the people who bore the people who bore me. The story of my life is a bit one sided because I only have knowledge of my mother’s bloodline. The Griggs bloodline is something to be respected, honored and cherished. I come from a people who love so deeply and truly that you feel underserving at times. I come from a family filled with blessings and support.  I come from a family of imperfections and forgiveness. I come from a people who give unconditional love. I come from the true meaning of family. 
I recently got to take a road trip with the man who played the role of dad in my life. Bob Griggs, My Paw, will possibly be the best man I’ll know for all of my days on this earth. He stepped into my life by choice. You see my mom went off and got herself pregnant by a man who, for whatever reason, wasn’t ready to be a father. All stories have sides, so I cannot speak for him, but from recent experiences in my life it seems I was a mistake in his eyes. 
I know that I am not a mistake, so don’t you worry. 
My Paw always made his presence known in my life. If there was ever a Father’s Day event then he was there. He never missed one of my sporting events. He was at every choir or vocal performance. He listened to every song I ever practiced (over and over again). Any question I asked, he would give an answer. Any story I had to tell, he would listen. He has always been consistently proud of me. He has always seen my potential and he has always shown me that I am far from a mistake. He has shown me that my life and every life has purpose. He has shown me that life is a blessing. 
On this trip so much of the truths that he taught me growing up were brought to life. I allowed myself to just sit and take in the experience. I allowed myself to gain perspective. By learning more about where I come from I was able to learn so much more about myself. Griggs’ are known for being tough, hardworking, wise and loving. In the words of my third cousin, Geraldean;
‘Griggs’ don't take no bull.” 
I realized that while I am still an original and unique, so much of me comes from my incredible heritage. At times I feel that I give people too many chances due to my loving heart, and most the time that is correct. I have learned that there is still love and kindness in letting go. When you continue to love someone through the bullshit you're enabling them and telling them that it is okay to treat you, and others, less than you/they deserve. As I age I am learning who I am. I am a Griggs through and through and I am proud of it. I can still be loving, hardworking and kind while not taking any bull. For those that I’ve let go, I still love you from afar and I showed us both a kindness by walking away. 
This trip was incredible and may go down as one of the best adventures in my life. I got to learn so much about an incredible man whom I am blessed enough to call Paw. I found so much joy and laughed so much as we made memories and experiences that can never be taken away from me. ​

• From driving six states in four days…
• from Elvis hymns on the ride down to Mississippi…
• to shop stories of his days in the factory…
• to conversations about work ethic…
• to eating way too many homemade biscuits…
• to driving dirt roads ‘down the bottom’ to the levy…
• to buying razors at a garage sale…
• to scavenging to watch the NCAA basketball tournament…
• to driving the trace just to see if the Dogwoods were blooming…
• to standing amongst the flowers and just taking in the beauty around me…
• to skipping church to eat more food and hear more stories…
• to eating chocolate fried pies for breakfast, just because...
• to shedding tears during the most beautiful farewell I have ever seen…
• to driving through a riot in Clarksdale, MS…
• to being completely speechless driving through the flooded chaos of downtown Memphis…
• to eating the best barbecue I’ve ever had…
• to allowing ourselves to slow down and take your time…
• to sharing a king size bed just to get a non smoking room at a Days Inn…
• to parking illegally on Beale St. just so I could explore and get the pictures I wanted…
• to having my love of Starbucks completely accepted and supported…
• to taking the long way home and praying for rain to hold off…
• to realizing yet again that I am loved unconditionally and solidifying that I have GOT to learn that I am deserving of this unconditional love…
• to being so proud of who and where I come from…
• to feeling incredibly blessed.

"It's a long time and it's a short time. Just remember to take your time." -Jack Griggs