“Shoogie Boogie” was a term of endearment given to me when I was a little girl by my grandfather.  While he never defined those two funny words, he knew they always brought a smile to my face.  I named my photography business “Shoogie Boogies” to honor my grandfather, a man whose legacy of love is worth sharing.

Granddaddy taught me, through his actions, the power and importance of loving people, especially those who cannot help themselves…like nursing home patients, shut-ins and accident victims.   When I was a child, Granddaddy regularly took me to nursing homes to visit people in need of comfort and friendship.  I watched as nurses and patients alike would absolutely “light up” in his presence.  They loved his cheery demeanor, dry wit and encouraging words.   He was a gentle soul who wasn’t afraid to speak with the mute, sing with the deaf or love the forgotten. 

Granddaddy continued to visit nursing homes even into his 90s.  He would always say, “I’m going to visit the old people!”   I think that’s the key…Granddaddy just never took himself or life too seriously.   When life was difficult: financial worries, the family home burned and there were troubles within the family circle, he put his trust in God and did his part to rebuild. 

This remembrance will only be complete, if I tell about the amazing tree house Granddaddy built for us in his backyard.   Grandma and he lived in Oakland, Florida, not too far from Disney World’s backdoor.    One summer, Granddaddy decided to build his grandkids a homemade version of Disney’s “Swiss Family Robinson” tree house.

Granddaddy was working for the Government as a Citrus inspector and didn’t have Disney’s budget or personnel.   Over a three month period, in his spare time, he collected scrap pieces of wood and material and built a gigantic tree house in an old Florida Live Oak tree.   The only thing he spent money for were the nails.   Granddaddy’s tree house was fully equipped with running water, kitchen sink, bed, front porch and a winding stairway around the tree trunk.  It wasn’t Disney, but his grandchildren had their own palace in a tree and a surplus of love to boot!

Thank you for reading about Shoogie Boogies.  I hope that my grandfather’s life of love has inspired you in a special way.   His life proved that while we may not change the world, we can improve our small part if we live with a Shoogie Boogie heart.

Photos - All Rights Reserved © Kathryn Kittinger 2001-2006                             > Back to Home Page