Ruston native publishes memoir, showcases grandmothers
Alysia Lewis Bradford, a Ruston native, Ruston High graduate and Grambling State University alumna, recently published an illustrated poem in book form, titled, “Grandma’s House on Memory Lane: A Tribute to Grandmothers Everywhere!”
Bradford describes the book as a poetry memoir that chronicles life lessons of love and respect and the special bond shared between grandmothers and their grandchildren.
“For decades and even in today’s society, many children spend quality time with their grandparents and are often nurtured and raised by them. It takes a village to raise a child,” she said.
When Bradford was a child, that village existed in Ruston. She was taught valuable life lessons, not only by her mother, but also by others in the community including her grandmothers, Jurley Lyons Daniels and Eva Watley Lewis.
“Grandma’s House on Memory Lane” captures the loving, affectionate bond between grandparents and their grandchildren in a unique way. The book takes readers on a journey through rhythm and rhyme, transporting them to a time when life was simple. Along the journey, the images of favorite family recipes, old coins and curios, culture and kinship, inspire memories, that we can be fondly recalled in some way or another.
Illustrator Courtney D. Collins is a New Orleans native with a diverse background in the visual arts. Readers young and old will be drawn into a sense of nostalgia for times shared with grandma.
“Students can use the memoir page at the end of the book to capture those special moments at grandma’s house,” said publishing company BookBaby.
Bradford has deep family roots in Ruston. Her mother, the late Luveal Lewis Hodge, was an educator with a career that spanned 56 years teaching at many area schools. Her father, the late Samuel “Sam” B. Lewis, was a painter and often adorned many Ruston homes with murals.
Prior to retirement, Bradford worked as a technical writer, editor, and documentation specialist for over 30 years in the Aerospace Industry at Northrop Grumman Corporation. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, LeRoy Bradford, Jr. She is a mother of twin sons, Jarrett and Garrett Harris. Alysia is also a grandmother and loves sharing her memories and creating new ones with her grandchildren.
Bradford said she hopes to inspire readers to recall and share their memories and leave a legacy for the next generation.
For more information, visit www.grandmashouse.com.
