Wise Words of Wisdom from a Wise Woman - my husband's grandmother.

Years ago, I asked my husband’s grandmother, Helen Heckman, what she does when she’s nervous. Her answer was something I will never forget. “When I’m nervous, I clean my kitchen floor. Later, I may still be nervous, but at least my floors are clean.” Her words have inspired me ever since to put my nervous energy to work.

Helen was born and raised in the small town of Oakland, Iowa. She was one of the most hardworking and productive person I’ve ever known. I will forever cherish the times when we would visit Helen and her husband Earl. They lived in the old house that Earl grew up in. From the moment we stepped through their doors, we were greeted by the sweet aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls in the oven. At dinner, we were treated to a feast of Helen’s legendary beef and noodles along with heaping bowls of vegetable, salads, homemade rolls. Dinner was always followed by apple pie or some other mouthwatering dessert.

In her younger years, Helen drove a buggy to teach in a one-room school in Oakland while Earl owned and operated the local Standard filling station.

Once married, Helen and Earl raised two beautiful daughters, Carolyn (my mother-in-law), and her sister Phyllis. Helen spent her days making gorgeous quilts and clothing at a speed that I swear she had to have had elves assisting her. Helen shared her gifts by sewing and baking for many others in her town, and she was a tireless volunteer at the local nursing home. From the day I met Helen, I was amazed at how tirelessly she worked. She rose every morning, long before sunrise, to start cooking and sewing. Her freezer wa packed full of baked goods of every kind. Visiting them was like visiting Heaven. Although she’s been gone for many years now, Helen’s legacy will long live in the hearts and minds of everyone who was lucky enough to know her. I was blessed beyond words to have Helen and Earl as my grandparents-in-laws.

Helen’s life was an inspiration to me in so many way…including making the best of challenging and stressful times. We could all, now more than ever, benefit from Helen’s example of working hard during hard times. And hey…at least our houses will be clean! Thank you Helen!