"SHELLY BABE ... oh and Julie"

Grandma loved her family. No one can argue that. In spite of her imperfections, we all knew she loved us. We all carried that Royal Woodward (name changed) Blood and that said something!

Grandma did have her favorites though. I don't know anyone who came before my sister Mechelle. My whole life I heard those words, "Shelly Babe" addressed to her. The moment we would arrive we would hear, "OH Shelly Babe come here and give me a kiss." "Shelly Babe let me look at how skinny you are getting." "Shelly babe where did you get that beautiful hair!"

(Note: Mechelle's hair most certainly did NOT come from that Royal Woodward blood. I don't know if any of us ever had the courage to tell Grandma that it came from Grandma's daughter-in-law's side the much inferrior Carter (name changed again, I 'm paranoid, sorry) blood. I feel entitled to write this because I am one of the blessed/cursed ones who did in fact receive that "LOVILY" Woodward hairline, paper thin and body-less, JOY!)

Although this memory may be inaccurate, I rarely remember even being addressed by my grandmother when "Shelly Babe" was in the room. Although it hurt at times, I am not bitter it was just who Grandma Effie was.

She never meant to hurt anyone through her blatant favoritisms, she was quite oblivious to it. At least I think she was. Come to think of it my mother use to describe her as "Dumb like a fox." Nevertheless, I am not even sure she would have acted differently had she known my feelings. In spite of the hurt, I knew I was loved in spite of my Carter ways.

Mechelle and I have tried to understand this favoritism. What we have surmised is that Mechelle had many character and personality traits that Grandma had. They are/were both bubbily, funny, and usually the center of attention. They both love and are devoutly loyal to their families and they both are very stronge willed. Yet I also think Grandma saw in Mechelle someone to emulate, someone true and honest with herself and others.

I had no chance to be a favorite with my Carter mannerisms. Just as Mechelle is all Woodward or Felix(Grandma's married name, which too has been changed), I am completely Carter. I guess my only consolation is that I was clearly the favorite (granddaughter that is) of the Carter Grandparents.

Hence the inside joke, between and my sister and I, is..."SHELLY BABE ... and um huh oh yes Julie."