Honoring Women and Motherhood with excerpts from "Grandma's Giggles"

As we remember those whom have transitioned into eternity, this book is celebrates Mothers, Grandmothers, Great Grandmothers, Great-Great Grandmothers, Stepmoms, Nanas, Grannies, Aunties, Cousins, older Sisters, Godmothers, Bonus Moms, Back-Up Moms, Teachers, Ministers, Elders, Senior Pastors, Youth Pastors, Ministers of Music, Law Enforcement Community Youth Officers, Mentors, Social Workers, Single Dads, School Counselors, Neighbors, Foster Moms and Dads, and more; who may have stood in the gap on behalf of a parent for one reason or another to ensure that the children in their lives or crossing their paths had what they needed to reach their destiny with prosperity as one of their many blessings.

A collection of the funny comments made by the author's children, grandchildren and/or the comments made by the children of family members, friends and former students in the author's classes as well as a blend of the pictures taken by the author in her unofficial role as the family photographer of a very large "tribe" of extended family members and friends. After her grandson was born, the author's primary focus became capturing every moment, or as many moments as possible, of her grandson's existence. This made sense to her. After all, she had prayed for eight years to have a grandchild and her prayers were answered to which she said... Amen and Hallelujah three times: One for the Father… One for the Son…and One for the Holy Spirit. After much thought and input from those whom Grandma's Giggles" had been shared with in it's authentic form, the author expanded the content of this publication beyond the humorous side of the relationship between the grandparent...especially the grandmother, and the grandchild;. Overtime, this publication blossomed into a three part book remembering significant women in the lives of those saying yes to participating in this project and also realizing that these honorees were worthy of recognition...but would not be remembered or acknowledged on a national stage even though they played significant roles in the lives of the children God placed in their lives by providing these children with care, love, guidance, nurturing, understanding, compassion and empathy as well as laying the foundation for their values, ethical and moral compasses, decision making screens and more.

Dr. Doris Hope-Jackson was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, as the fifth child among ten siblings to Hulet and Julia Mae Hope. Her educational journey began with a special opportunity, selected as one of the few students to integrate Glen Park in compliance with Civil Rights mandates. Her commitment to education and excellence was evident early on, culminating in receiving the Human Relations Award upon graduating as the first Black student from Lew Wallace High School in 1970, a milestone commemorated with Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher. Driven by a passion for learning, Dr. Hope-Jackson excelled in reading, writing, math, and science. After earning her teaching credentials, she dedicated herself to educating future generations, becoming a respected science teacher and later an administrator at both school and central office levels. Her outstanding dedication to students earned her Teacher of the Year honors for eight consecutive years, recognized for her innovative hands-on science instruction that significantly improved district-wide science achievement. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Hope-Jackson's impact extended into her community of Harvey, Illinois, where she lived and worked from 1974 to 2009. Her contributions were so significant that Wallace Avenue was renamed in her honor. Actively involved as a parent, team mom, and fundraiser for the Harvey Colts Junior Football team, she embodied the spirit of community service and leadership. As an author, Dr. Hope-Jackson focused on themes of faith, real-life advice, honoring women, humor, and inspiring excellence among students. Her educational motto, recited by her students, encapsulates her philosophy: