Legacy of Motherhood

My paternal grandmother was separated from her siblings when during the Great Depression they were dibbied among aunts and uncles to live until things became more stable at home. Her father had gone to pursue his dream of becoming a film director in Hollywood, leaving her mother to provide as best she could for her family. She and her siblings maintained a strong bond throughout the ordeal, remaining friends into adulthood. Her mother - ever the picture of calm gentility - held that family together. And my grandmother is no less devoted to family (it is evident in every breath she takes), and is no less calm and gentle (though I have it on her authority that she used to be the hot-headed, impulsive spitfire that the red-hair of her youth would suggest). 

My maternal grandmother was afflicted with polio as a small child. The nearest hospital to their home was a day's journey - and so she was left there alone, receiving a visit from her family only once a week (as often as they could come) for an entire year. As a result of her illness, she spent her youth, her young adulthood, her adulthood, and now her golden years in a body bent and weakened. Yet she is undeniably beautiful, and exudes a personal strength and conviction of character only compounded by her care and dedication to her personal appearance. I have never seen her without her hair perfectly fixed and her lipstick in place.

Ah, my grandmothers. I could tell such stories.

This is my Legacy of Motherhood; continued in my own great Mother and some day - hopefully - emulated by me.

3 comments:

Janae said...

What a beautiful tribute to such incredible women! I love your grandmothers. :)

MikkSolo said...

Nice Step! Fine women indeed.

Tammy said...

You should write a book about them!