Humans of Grandview

Red Team

The Red Team's collection of the Humans of Grandview

Janet Smith, 61, whole life in Grandview

Written by: Jaxson Mackey

“I have lived in Grandview all my life. I played basketball for Grandview during the 1973 and 1974 year. I was a freshman on the team when Grandview won the basketball state championships for the second time in a row. Our coach at the time was Herold Pinkerton who went to the University of Texas at Arlington. The team and I could not call him coach because he had a degree in math, not coaching, so we called him Mr. Pinkerton. He had coached for eleven years and won district championships 11 times. The team had won state championships in 1965 and made it to the state game in 1970 and again in 1971. The team won the state championship game in 1973 and again in 1974. He retired from coaching in 1974 but remained at the school as the superintendent. I played on a six-man basketball team where there were three girls on offense- forward and three girls on defense- guard, and each player only played half the court. Only the forwards were allowed to shoot the ball. I was a guard for the team. There was a total of 150 students in the whole high school at the time. We had eighteen girls on the team including the junior varsity girls. We played the championship game in Austin at the University of Texas’ Gregory Gym. The game was against Shiner Independent School District. Grandview beat Shiner by 16 points. Grandview had 52 points and Shiner had 36 points. I still live in Grandview and I work at the bank. I also coach girls basketball and softball. Many of the girls I coach for go on to play in junior high and high school.”

Brent Wilson, 48

Written by: Brazos Sharp

My name is Brent Wilson. I am 48. Some people might not know me but I am a very good man. I've been happy and I've been down. My happiest times were when I found out I was a father and when I found the cutest dog ever named Reno. He is very hyper and full of energy and joy. I am a very joyful man, I love kids and being in the sun. I'm always in my chair enjoying the sun. I am kind as anyone can be, I also love to joke around. I might look scary but just get to know me and I will be very playful like my dog.

Cayce Hyles, 45 years old, 5 years in Grandview

Written by: Nicholas Foreman

When my sister and I were little she was learning how to cut with scissors and she said, “hey Cayce come here.” So I walked over there doing as I was told and my sister grabbed my lip and cut it almost all of the way off my mouth. Luckily my lip was still barely hanging by a tiny tiny tiny piece of skin. We inevitably had to run to the hospital and I had to get around 25 stitches. Now you can't even tell it ever happened because the doctor did such an amazing job stitching my lip back together. The coolest thing I have ever done in my entire life was when I went to a horror festival this one time we were sitting at the bar and I saw an amazing actor that I have loved watching for years and years and years now. So I started staring and stalking him. It was so obvious that one of his family members walked over to the both of us and asked if we would like to join them for dinner. I obviously said yes so we walked to their table and I had accidentally sat in his lap. I was so embarrassed that I turned bright red. We ate dinner and talked for many many many hours and we got his autograph. Right when we were about to leave the actor had kissed me on the head in front of my boyfriend at the time. He didn't even get mad because that was the actor that he loved as well. After he kissed my forehead I turned to my boyfriend and said babe did you get that, did you get that? He said no which is pretty funny because the time something great happens nobody gets a picture or a video but when the worst thing happens everybody gets a picture.

Tanner Huffman, 19, 18 years in Grandview

Written By: Caitlyn Beaumont

“In 7th grade, I started at Grace Baptist in their youth group. I went for the first time and I met Ryan Hurt, who was my youth pastor for a couple of years. He taught me in a time where you're really trying to figure out your identity and who you are. He taught me who I am in Christ, where my identity lies, and that I don't have to worry about what others perceve me to be. I just have to worry about who I know and who I am. I don't think I ever would've gotten through junior high without his guidance. Then moving into high school I met Delena Brooks, she stepped in and just like a second mom to anyone she's ever met. She taught me who the holy spirit is and taught me how to be a leader. She taught me that I could teach ministry at any age, I wanted to be a leader. She is the person who encouraged me to do ministry and gave me the idea of what I’m doing as a career today. I don't know what my confidence would be for my career coming out of college if it wasn't for Delena. Her pushing me and knowing that I could do that if I wanted. My sophomore year was the first time I started a ministry and it was the drama ministry at Grace. The next year I had a radio show ministry, so I had my own radio show for 6 months. All of that came because Delena pushed me to do that. She was very influential in not only my spiritual walk but also very influential in my career today. Another person who influenced me a lot was Jana Tiller, she taught me to not only be confident in myself but to be confident in whatever I was doing. She taught me that everything doesn’t have to be perfect but we're going to make it look like it's perfect and we’re just gonna be a boss and destroy everything because that's who we are. So a lot of my confidence and challengerness comes from Jana Tiller. She was like a second mom to me. I spent more time with her than my own family because I was always rehearsing for one-act play 8 or 9 hours a week. I spent a good chunk of time with her every week. She really helped shape me to be comfortable while being creative. A big part of what I do today is creating things and I know that is also a part of me. If it wasn't for Jana stepping in when I was in seventh grade and her teaching me it's ok to be creative. I would lose a big part of who I am because that's what I do a lot today. Everything I do at DBU like extracurricular activity-wise has to do with being creative. That's what I wanna do in ministry, be creative in whatever way I can. But going back to Delena my youth group still meets to this day. I always look forward to meeting with them once a month. We have Christmas parties and celebrate a lot together. I will always remember this about growing up and learning about Christ.”

Cherie Seals, 35, 29 years living in Grandview

Written by: Jadyn Myers

When I was a child, my favorite memory was staying up late with my dad. We would watch television and play board games together for hours. We would do all sorts of fun things together when I was just a little girl. We would also talk all about my accomplishments that I was very proud of. I had two accomplishments when I was younger. One of them was trying out for America’s Got Talent. I made it to round one and I am just really grateful to have even made it that far. Another accomplishment was trying out for The Voice. I was able to make it as far as I did, and I’m really proud of that too. I think that they were my biggest accomplishments because it was a really big opportunity for me. I have many other accomplishments but I am most proud of those two. When I got older, I started telling many interesting stories to many people about my life and how they impacted it. But the most interesting story I have told to anyone was telling my parents how hard they have worked for me. They really have made a big impact on who I am today. They have gotten me so far in life, and they have gotten me where I am today. I am so deeply proud of them. My biggest role model has always been my mom. She has always been there for me and has always helped me through so much. I am very thankful to have my mother in my life! My parents would always support me when I would sing and play my sports. I would always see them in the stands, supporting me every step of the way, and I was so grateful for that! I’m so lucky to have them in my life. I’m so glad that my accomplishments are supported so much by my whole family! I’m grateful for every one of them. I would not be where I am at today without my family. These things were some of my greatest accomplishments, as well as my favorite things with my parents, and how they have impacted my life.

I am the one on the right, and these are my two daughters.

Mary Welch, 46 years old, In Grandview 6 years

Written by: Sam Baker

I started my business 4 years ago. The name of my business is Blessed Meals and it changed my life for the better. It all came about when I took meals to my kids. They did not like the school lunches their friends started asking where did you get that and my son said my mother made it. His friend was like, “can you get me one tomorrow” and my son said $5 so I made it and sold it and the same thing with my daughter's friends. Then my daughter said," mom make a business out of it.” So I did and soon enough, by word of mouth. the word got out how good my food was and I was making enough money to support my family just by cooking. I know it sounds crazy, well I did it. Blessed Meals would go on for about a year maybe a year and a half then my daughter and I sat down and made a logo. Little did I know I would be putting that logo on every food order I made. By that time almost everyone knew me as the meal lady or the Blessed Meals lady. I was really excited to see how far my business would go. At first, I was cooking just for fun, then it turned into something I would do for the rest of my life. As the word got out to bigger and bigger businesses. I continue to cook for my regular customers and I picked up a lot of people from Facebook and I cooked for them. Then I got a business in Dallas, Texas to feed. I do that 2 times a week. I go to the store, buy all the food I need, and I go home and cook for them. I enjoy my business and the success it continues to have.

Phyllis Marti, 58, 30 years in Grandview.

Written by: Rian Nabors

When I first met you, you were 8, and you were tanned and blonde from spending every waking moment outside running free. You had the exact right amount of sweet freckles sprinkle across your nose. He got a mini bike for Christmas one year and I would ride on the back of it hanging on for dear life as he drove as fast as he could. Up and down the long driveway we went, finally, he rode the wheels off of that thing and broke the thing. We would travel up and down the creek followed by our brothers and sisters, the six of us, looking for any kind of stuff we could get into, fossils, and things to look at. He would always get into trouble because of his brother, David, would tell on him so he would get a whipping. My mom let my siblings and I run free and so we would never get in trouble! Sometimes we would build campfires and fry bologna up in an old pan. We thought we were real hobos! Until it got dark so we would go home after that. As I jumped out of my dad’s pick up I heard your dad say “You better get your keys, that one (pointing to you) will drive that truck off." You were disappointed when he reached in and took the keys out of the ignition, but it didn’t last long, there were tractors, minibikes, and an old truck (that you have already driven the reverse out of) to choose from. We would do everything together whether it was good or bad, we wanted to have fun with each other. It is crazy how we have known each other since the first grade. We had a scary moment when we were playing outside of his old house that burnt down and we heard banging that was coming from his sister's old room and no one was inside the house and it really freaked him and me out. I find it crazy that having a 48-year-old memory could feel like yesterday. Happy 38th anniversary I love you!

Faith Macintosh, 38, and I have lived in Grandview since the end of 2019.

Written by: Emily Wolf

I would say that my most embarrassing moment as a stutterer came when I was seventeen, and the time had come for me to go and visit colleges. To do this well, you have to make an appointment with the school for a tour. The tour usually starts with a short information session and then a walk around the campus. The information session proved to be my downfall. Before we could start the session, the Dean of admissions wanted everybody in the room to tell their name and also where they were from. I knew this would be a problem the second the words came out of his mouth. In a flash my mind became cluttered with a million thoughts, the main thought being to practice what I was going to say. It was only three words, but anyone out there who stutters knows that the anxiety experienced when having to say three words can be like having to give a whole speech to someone that has fluent speech. The moment arrived, and what happened was exactly what I was expecting. I get my name and the first part of my state out of my mouth totally fine. Then the inevitable pause caused by a lack of confidence caused me to stammer quite terribly on the last word of my state. I was truly embarrassed by this and it is because of a most recent incident. I think one of the worst moments in my stuttering days was when I went out for a haircut. I was with my brother and we were going to get cuts. As every stutterer knows, you have times when you can speak perfectly fine and other times it can come without warning, leaving you wondering what happened. At the haircut place, the guy at the counter asked for my phone number, which I spoke out clearly. He then asked who would get the haircuts. I quickly said my name, but couldn’t make out my brother's name. The guy sharply implied, “you don't know your brother's name?” My little brother finally came to my rescue after I pointed to him and he said his name to me. That was the shortest haircut I’ve ever had. Both my brother and I look at it and laugh now. It's the only thing you really can do.

Dale Wyzkowski, 67, 31 years in Grandview

Written by: Journey Mangrum

My favorite memory with my wife is the day we met. It’s been almost 38 years since we got married, and together. The way we met wasn't exactly the best way. We met at a wrestling match, on a blind date of course. Yes, a blind date which goes back to why I said it wasn’t exactly the best way. Only 10 minutes into the date, and she spilled soda on her white shirt. After that had happened everything was almost okay. She wasn’t exactly into the wrestling match as much as I was. I mean, it could’ve been worse. So far, it wasn’t as bad as it seems. We didn’t even talk to each other that much. After the date, I didn’t even plan on seeing her again. It was too awkward. I thought she probably would never go on another date with me, but little did I know that I was wrong about that. Eventually, she reached out to me and asked if I would like to go out to dinner with her. I know, she asked me, even though I should’ve been brave enough to ask her. We barely knew each other. It felt as if we were strangers to each other, and of course, I said yes. I didn’t see a reason to pass up the opportunity. I remember it like it was yesterday. Although I don't remember the restaurant we ended up going to. It was a lot better than the first date. This time, we talked a lot more and got to really know each other. I remember complimenting her on how beautiful she looked. Eventually, minutes turned into hours, and I drove her home. We had planned to go on another date, but we ended up seeing each other the next day, and the next day, and the next day. It all turned into seeing her every day. Eventually, we moved in together, got married, and started a family. Looking back on it now really has gotten us to where we are today. And I’m so happy with her. I wouldn’t change a thing about her. She’s perfect for me, and I love her so much.

Michelle Simmons, 51, whole life in Grandview

Written by: Madilynn Schmidt

When I was growing up I had a tough life. I didn't know who my dad was and my mom wasn't there for me most of my life. One day when I was in 8th grade my mom had come to pick me up from school and brought me to our house that had cracks in the walls and holes in the floor. The wind was blowing and the trees were swarming on a cold winter day. My mom came to me and said I will be back. I am going to see a boy, hours have passed and my mom is still not home and I was starting to get worried. It was dark around 10 pm and my mom was still not home so I went to bed wondering when my mom was going to be home and if she was ok. I woke up the next morning and my mom was still not home, I got ready for school and got on the bus wondering if my mom was alive? The day had passed at school and I got on the bus to go home the whole ride home I was thinking to myself I hope my mom is home. What am I going to do if she isn't home? What is going to happen? Well, I got off the bus and home to an empty house with no food, no water, no electricity, and a for sale sign in the yard. I broke down in tears and called my grandparents to tell them “mom is gone”. They came to pick me up, helped me pack my stuff and I moved in with them. My mom didn't have a phone at the time so we couldn't get a hold of her. I cried myself asleep for days and days wondering if my mom was ok. Weeks later we got a call and my grandma answered the phone and it was my mom asking if I was still there. My grandma said, she is not going back with you. My mom said “ok” and hung up. I graduated high school and now I'm an elementary counselor to help kids out that are going through the things that happened to me as a kid. My message to everyone is that anyone can overcome anything.

Glenda, 76, 36 years in Grandview

Written by: Kylee Daniels

My name is Glenda. I am 76 years old. I moved here in 1984 on August 15. So I have been here for 36 years. Before I moved to Grandview I lived in Burleson. While I was in Burleson with my daughter and son, I met a guy named Don. I met Don in the spring of 1977. I was really happy that I had met him. A year later Don and I got married in April of 1978. At that time of our marriage, I had already had two kids and Don already had four kids. I went from being single to having a big family. I have always wanted a big family. Don always inspired me by always having my back and being there when I needed him, no matter what. The happiest days of my life were when Don and I traveled around the United States together. We had so much fun, we went to Hawaii. The water was so beautiful, I loved sitting on the beach watching the sunset. The palm trees were so big and bright green. I loved going all over the United States because I liked all the places and their history. Also, I liked seeing how they lived and all the new sites. I like Las Vegas too, I liked going to the casinos. I did win a couple of times, man did we have fun! The hardest time of my marriage was taking care of my husband Don when he got cancer and became very ill. I cared for him at home for about eight months until he passed away. I retired from my job to stay home and took care of him. I am very happy for the times that we shared together throughout our marriage. I loved him so much. I'm thankful for the times I had with him. If I could help somebody throughout their life, I would probably say that God loves them and that I am always here for them if they need anything. I'm thankful for the times I had with him. I love Grandview. It is a great place to live.

Kelly Simpkins, 47

Written by: Chris Green

My story begins with the happiest moment of my life. While having my kids and watching them grow up there is nothing more joyful and emotional about raising kids especially when they're boys. When my oldest grew up he fell down the wrong road, he started lying to me about silly things like where he was going. Such as when he told me he was going to his buddy's house but in reality, he was going off to the cave and jumping into the water. It was such a dangerous thing to do because of the rocks that were all at the bottom. But once he fixed himself up it was a joy to see him grow up into something great. I also feel as if that's a terrifying time because I'm watching this little boy grow up and make something of himself. Something I will always be proud of is when he joined the military, It was such a joy. Now I'm having to do it again for the second time now that my other son is going to the military. It's the most terrifying and happiest and saddest moment of my life to see my babies grow up into great young adults. When I found out that they wanted to take an oath to dedicate their lives to a world infested with hate, corruption, and violence and maybe be able to fix that and possibly make it better. It's made me one of the proudest mothers on earth. Now my oldest is outliving his life in Japan working for the military and being able to do what's right for not just our country but maybe the world. I'm very proud of them and always will be. I love my kids so much and they make me who I am today and I’m glad I have them. I will do anything for them. Now I have to admit raising two boys was hard but I would do it all over again if I got the chance I would do it a hundred times.

Heather Nix, 23, lived in Grandview for nine months,

Written by: Rozlin Creek

I was in 7th grade when I had my first kiss. It happened at my football homecoming. My friends and I had been planning all day that I was going to kiss my crush. We were all getting ready at my house, we were doing each other's makeup, hair, and picking out each other outfits for the night. They picked out a really cute outfit for me so I could try to impress my crush. My crush was in our friend group, so it's not like we didn't know each other. We were actually really good friends. When we got through getting ready we put on our mums and my dad drove us to the game. The whole time I was freaking out inside because I was about to kiss my crush. When we got to the game we all met up and ran to our school gym! On our mums, we had a love chain. Our school did a thing where we put a love chain on our mums. A love chain is a chain and when you break it you are supposed to kiss your boyfriend, girlfriend, or crush!! So we got to the gym and all my friends were watching and waiting for us. They were yelling “break y’alls chain, break y’alls chain.” I was so scared, my heart was beating so fast, I thought I was going to pass out. We broke the chain and it felt like we were in slow motion going in for the kiss. I went in and I pecked him really fast. Then I ran off to my friends and was really shocked that I just kissed a boy in the 7th grade. For the rest of the game, I didn't see him, I thought that he thought I was a bad kisser, I was so scared. After the game, my friends and I went back to my house and we were talking about it so much. When we went back to school it was really awkward between us. I wished that I wouldn't have kissed him. Our friendship was over. My friends made fun of me forever, mostly because he was kinda ugly. I wish I would have saved my first kiss on someone else.

Shawn Kohrman, 50, 12 years in Grandview

Written by: Madi Cooksey

The scariest moment in my life was when I got hit by a car. When I was about 5 years old I had a babysitter that asked me and my siblings who wanted to go get groceries from the store. I told her that I would and she sent me to go get them all by myself. To get to the store you had to cross a busy highway, and I walked out in front of a car. The car hit me and I went about 6 feet in the air and landed on my head. I was rushed to the hospital and had to get a whole bunch of stitches. I was shocked I didn't break my neck or crack my skull. The doctors were shocked I lived and didn't get paralyzed. I now own a construction company and we do remodels for hospitals. I didn't really choose to do construction, I have always been in construction when I started working for myself. I did a little remodel for a hospital and I enjoyed doing it so I started doing remodels. My favorite part of my job is when you own your own company you can kind of do what you want. I still have to work every day but if I want to leave early then I don't have to tell anybody and I can just leave when I need to. I didn't go to college but if I did, I would go to any college that would accept me. I would try to get a business degree or a construction degree because that would help me the most. One of my favorite childhood memories was the time when I was in 2nd grade we were doing this thing where the teacher was asking what we thought we were getting for Christmas. I said that we weren't going to get anything because my mom was a single mom and we didn't have any money so we decided that she needed a coat so we bought her a coat for Christmas. All of us kids decided that we weren't going to get anything. So my 2nd-grade teacher got her church to buy us a whole bunch of gifts and that was really special to my siblings and me.

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