Pieces of the Past, Present in Our Lives

Across Lawrence County, folks are still using the treasures passed down from their grandparents—each one a quiet reminder of where they came from. Whether it’s a skillet, a photo, or a belief system, these heirlooms connect the past to the present in the most meaningful ways.

Heather Hill shared that her grandparents left her with a love of cooking and gardening. To them, these skills were likely acts of care—ways of feeding their families and tending to the land. For Heather, they’ve become more than hobbies. They’re a living thread tying her to generations past, every meal and every garden row a continuation of their legacy.

Diana King keeps a photograph from the 1940s of her great-grandmother. For her great-grandmother, that photo might’ve marked a proud moment in her life—perhaps a time when the world looked different, but hope remained the same. For Diana, it’s a window into her roots, a chance to see the face of someone whose life helped shape her own.

Linda Ann holds onto her grandfather’s WWII dog tag and an old, tarnished key to his house. For him, the dog tag represented service and sacrifice; the key, the promise of returning home. To Linda, these objects are sacred—a tangible reminder of his courage, his love for family, and the home that once stood waiting.

Tabitha Mendy Terry was personally handed her grandmother’s veteran medal and Social Security card. Her grandmother must have seen something steady and trustworthy in her, choosing her as the keeper of those items. For Tabitha, that moment holds weight—a symbol of being seen, loved, and trusted with the stories that mattered most.

John Sanford inherited a 60-year-old pocket knife, a 16-gauge shotgun, and cast iron pans. These items were once part of everyday life for his grandfather—used to hunt, cook, and work with his hands. Today, they are handled with the same respect, keeping his grandfather’s spirit alive in every meal and memory.

Christie Caudle Fletcher received something intangible: a love for God, His Word, and a strong work ethic. To her grandparents, faith and hard work were likely the foundation of every decision they made. Now, those same values guide Christie’s life, passed down not through words alone, but by example.

Julia Kathleen Craig Cole said simply: “My house.” To her grandparents, that house may have been their safe place, their dream come true, their shelter from life’s storms. Now, as Julia walks its halls, she’s surrounded by their memories and rooted in the legacy they left behind.

These heirlooms—whether held in hand or heart—remind us that love, values, and memories are the most lasting gifts we receive. In every object or tradition passed down, there’s a piece of our grandparents still here with us.