Karen, tell us about the nickname your grandchildren call you and how the “Gacky” first came about.
People ask me that all the time! The amusing thing is, it started years before I became a grandmother. When my kids were in high school, I used to joke with them and express that I absolutely did not want a terrible grandmother’s name someday. One day, we were riding in the car together, and I noticed a license plate that said “GACKY.” I remember saying, “Oh no, that poor woman.” Apparently, making such a big deal about it in front of my kids wasn’t the smartest move, because it stuck with them.
What does being a grandparent mean to you?
It means everything to me. When I hear my grandchildren run up and call out “Gacky,” it fills my heart in a way I can’t fully explain. It reminds me that the time we spend together matters. Being their Gacky means I get to love them, teach them, laugh with them, and create memories they’ll cherish long after they’ve grown up.
Before becoming a full-time grandmother, you had a long career in education. Tell us about that.
I spent 30 years working as a school psychologist in Montgomery Public Schools. My work focused on helping children learn, grow, and overcome challenges. Education and child development have always been passions of mine, so it was a very fulfilling career. Being able to support students, guide families, and help children reach their full potential made every year meaningful and rewarding.
What led you to step away from that career?
When my daughter became pregnant with her first child, I decided to retire early so I could help care for my grandchildren. Those early years are incredibly important in a child’s development, and I wanted to be present for them. It was a very easy decision for me.
What does a typical week look like with your grandchildren?
I try to bring learning into our everyday routines. With a background in education, I created a simple curriculum that we follow at home. When they’re younger, we focus on one letter each week. We read books, engage with activities, and discuss words that start with certain letters. Fridays are what we call “Mix Mix Day,” when we bake a treat that begins with the letter we studied that week.
How does that learning grow as they get older?
As they mature, we shift from letters to studying a different state each week. We talk about the culture, geography, and interesting facts about that state. “Mix Mix Day” changes too — we make a recipe inspired by that state. It keeps learning creative and exciting, while helping the children explore new places, cultures, and traditions in a way that feels fun and meaningful to them.
Tell us about the something special you create for your grandchildren each year.
Yes, I make a scrapbook for each child. It includes photos from our time together, the recipes we made, and handwritten letters to them. I want them to have something tangible that shows how much they are loved and how special those years were.
Bio: Karen Ingram has built a life rooted in family, love, and strong ties to Montgomery, Alabama. She and her husband, Ragan Ingram, have shared 37 years of marriage, raising two children, Bo and Ali, who now have families of their own.
