Grins and Tears of Joy
Friends recently traveled from Tennessee to northern Ohio for a special event in the life of one of their grandsons. For four years, I have been enjoying this young man’s grandmother tell of his college success as a fashion design student. As graduation neared, he and other graduating students displayed their designs, which they all had to sew themselves, at a runway show, where this beloved grandson won a special award.
I have never seen this grandmother as excited as she was when I asked her how everything went. She said that every time you looked at each of this grandson’s loved ones who attended, you saw either a grin or tears (of joy). Her grin simply telling about it was the biggest I have ever seen on her. She said she kept thinking, “Is this really the same kid?” She said that she thought she must now know how George Washington’s grandmother must have felt.
I wondered how I would illustrate this post and was delighted to find that the Library of Congress has some fun men’s fashion illustrations from long ago.
American fashions, fall & winter 1849-50
by John R. Shankland
Spring and summer. Specially designed
for Lamm & Co. tailors to the trade, Chicago, 1896
Fleisher clothing, design #2, c. 1907
High art clothing, design #3,
Stroushe & Brothers, Baltimore, c. 1908
Our friends’ grandson has already had an internship with a well-known menswear clothing company and is scheduled to start one with another popular company soon. I’m sure that having loved ones who support him with grins and tears of joy, traveling many miles to applaud him, and in countless other ways for all of his 22 years played a major role in his success.
The grins, tears of joy, traveling many miles for many different reasons, and the countless other ways you bless your children are playing a major role in your children’s success, too. I know you are exhausted again and again, but what you are doing matters. I applaud you.
Let us not lose heart in doing good,
for in due time we will reap
if we do not grow weary.
Galatians 6:9