I, too, have been inspired by my children (daughters and sons). It’s about that time in their lives (12 and 14) that we catch a glimpse of their adult faces, even as we remember their faces as they took their first steps or pumped the swing for the first time. The audacity and boldness that they exhibit indeed make us want to dig deep and find some of our own. I was particularly struck by your idea of “the words my grandmother swallowed”. In my case, my grandmother was born before the 20th century. I can only imagine what she swallowed, being a college educated woman (rare in those days), a tall, striking, dark-haired Danish woman. My grandfather told her she would never need a job, never need to drive a car. She lived past 90, wondering if her Home Economics degree meant anything at all. So she invested in her two sons, and in me, the first granddaughter. I probably inspired her with my counter culture ways, coming of age in the 1960’s. She never failed to support me, no matter what. (And there were a number of “what’s”.) And now, being the grandmother of a 19 yr. old woman, I can appreciate what I have swallowed that my granddaughter won’t have to. Thank you, Grace, for opening this door to my understanding.
I love this. I got chills as I read about the bond you have with your granddaughter. Generational healing is a gift that is felt by so many. So beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share your reflection.
This is so beautiful. Thank you for the reminder. I agree with Catherine. This is the time we see their adult faces as we remember them as babies. 🙏🏼You are such an amazing writer Grace!! Keep them coming.
I, too, have been inspired by my children (daughters and sons). It’s about that time in their lives (12 and 14) that we catch a glimpse of their adult faces, even as we remember their faces as they took their first steps or pumped the swing for the first time. The audacity and boldness that they exhibit indeed make us want to dig deep and find some of our own. I was particularly struck by your idea of “the words my grandmother swallowed”. In my case, my grandmother was born before the 20th century. I can only imagine what she swallowed, being a college educated woman (rare in those days), a tall, striking, dark-haired Danish woman. My grandfather told her she would never need a job, never need to drive a car. She lived past 90, wondering if her Home Economics degree meant anything at all. So she invested in her two sons, and in me, the first granddaughter. I probably inspired her with my counter culture ways, coming of age in the 1960’s. She never failed to support me, no matter what. (And there were a number of “what’s”.) And now, being the grandmother of a 19 yr. old woman, I can appreciate what I have swallowed that my granddaughter won’t have to. Thank you, Grace, for opening this door to my understanding.
I love this. I got chills as I read about the bond you have with your granddaughter. Generational healing is a gift that is felt by so many. So beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share your reflection.
I LOVE this 💕💕💕
This is so beautiful. Thank you for the reminder. I agree with Catherine. This is the time we see their adult faces as we remember them as babies. 🙏🏼You are such an amazing writer Grace!! Keep them coming.