Aging with Grace

Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.

Shannon L. Alder

While contemplating a world turned upside down, I’ve been thinking about my grandmother. Born before the turn of the 20th century, she lived through the Spanish flu pandemic, a depression and two World Wars. I know those experiences must have changed her just as my experiencing the current pandemic will change me. I can’t imagine going through an experience so profound without it having an effect on who you become moving forward.

I lived with my grandparents when I was growing up and they provided the legacy that has shaped my life. My grandmother possessed a strong personality and it influenced much of who I am. She was unquestionably the matriarch of the family. A liberal Republican. (Yes, there once was such a thing.) A feminist before women burned their bras. A quietly out-spoken, independent woman. When I am faced with a challenge, I remember her advice.

Some of the things my grandmother told me.

Regarding birth control, “Is the Pope going to buy their shoes?”

If a woman had the first baby and a man had the second baby, there wouldn’t be a third.”

If you have good taste it doesn’t matter how much money you have. If you don’t, money won’t help.

Don’t wear your clothes too tight. It looks like you gained weight and can’t afford to buy new clothes.

She, also said.”Don’t tell tales out of school.” She would hate that I wrote this.

Wishing you grace and space.