Max is the kind of grandson a grandmother dreams of!  (Just in case you’re wondering, I am privileged to have two of these!)

From a teeny, tiny little thing he has had us wrapped real tight!  We have a bank of funny and sweet stories tucked back, but I'll just share a couple for now.

Before we moved to Lancaster from Greenville (prior to 2004), every now and then we would meet Art and Merritt at some mid-way point and we would have grandparents' weekend visitation.  Sometimes we would get both Anna and Max, and other times we would just get one of them and take them home with us for the weekend.  On late Sunday afternoons we would meet back at the mid-way point and pass them back to their parents, while shedding a tear or two.  Many happy memories were made during those visitation times.

We so looked forward to these happy exchanges, and when we decided to retire and move to Lancaster, we were telling Max – I suppose he was around 7 or 8 - that we might move to Lancaster.  He remarked, rather poignantly, “Granny Vee, why would you ever move from Greenville to Lancaster?  Why, you have a Sonic and everything!”  Good question, Max!  It's all about one's perspective, I suppose.  Well, I’m happy to report that not too long after that remark, and shortly before we made the final move, Lancaster became the proud new owner of a bright, shiny SONIC Drive-In!  That made everything perfect, at least in Max’s opinion.

Sadly, Anna and Max grew up after we moved to Lancaster and things changed, and Anna and Max started driving themselves here and there!  Where do the years go?

Of course, the decision to move was made even better (if it can get better than moving close to your children), when a brand new Home Depot, Bill’s favorite place, started taking shape about a mile from where we would live!  That sealed it!  And the rest is history.

But back to Max: he has always brought us so much joy and happiness.  He makes us laugh in unexpected ways, and we always burst with pride when he accomplishes another task or receives another honor.  Just today it was announced that he had received a wonderful scholastic honor.  Max had applied for, and received, the South Carolina Boys State Scholarship to Anderson University (Anderson, SC), beginning this fall, which will be renewed each year.  Although it’s sad to think about Max graduating high school this May and not being around as much, we are so happy for him and for all he has accomplished.  His talents at school, at church, in the community, and around the house, make us proud and grateful for him.  Max, you make us happy and we love you!  Thanks for always being you.