Today is this lovely woman’s birthday. Most people would never guess it, but she just turned 97 years young! She is also my grandmother, and I hope and pray we share some of the same genes, because I dare say she is most likely healthier than I am. At 97 she is still fiercely independent, spry, and full of life. (Most people think she is around 15 years younger than she really is.)
And what a life she has lived thus far. I often say that she has the most amazing life story of anyone I know. There’s the old adage that young people groan and roll their eyes when their elders start telling stories about “when they were young…” And more often than not, they don’t listen. It’s really a shame.
After years of hearing bits and pieces of my grandmother’s stories, I begged and pleaded (profusely), to have her write them down. Only when I bought a journal that had prompting questions, accompanied by a great deal more beseeching on my part, did she actually fill it out. And even though I currently have that completed journal locked away in my safe (because to me it’s worth more than its weight in gold), I still never tire of hearing her stories.
In fact, during my last visit as we sat on a park bench watching my daughter play, on a whim, I asked her if I could record our conversation while she told me about her life. She complied, but was puzzled and remarked that she’d already put most of it in the book that I have. However, I explained that her telling me was quite priceless too.
So, there we sat on a shady bench, while she told me stories that I’d heard countless times before, and I listened with the same intrigue as one who has just heard them for the first time. I expressed amazement as she told me about how during World War II she’d picked up and traveled around the country following my grandfather to various cities while he was stationed in many different army forts. And how when he was shipped overseas, as an engineer he was tasked with the perilous, yet crucial, job of going ahead of the front lines to set up communications in enemy territories.
I admire how she braved this world alone as a young woman during a time when such a thing was frightening and pretty much unheard of. Through perseverance and necessity, she was able to find jobs (even prestigious ones) at each location and make a way for herself. The going wasn’t always easy. My grandmother has a story that at one point she was so terribly hungry and exhausted, that she sat down on a curb to rest, not quite sure what to do, and by the grace of God she found a dime in the grate beside her, which she used to buy a cup of soup at the drug store.
One of the reasons my grandmother wasn’t overly keen on the idea of writing down her life story is because part of it is very heartbreaking for her. She still can’t talk about my grandfather without crying. (And I unfailingly cry with her.) My grandmother and grandfather had the kind of love you only read about in fairy tales. It is without a doubt true love – a love so strong and beautiful, I’ve never seen anything that holds a candle to it. They met in college and the rest is history, as they say. My grandfather was fortunate enough to make it home from the war, and together they lived a happy life full of love. Their marriage has truly been an inspiration. However, 29 years ago my grandfather had to fight a different kind of battle – and sadly, lost. He passed away when I was eight years old. My grandmother was ever by his side, and even now still loves him fiercely. Not a day goes by that she doesn’t deeply mourn his absence. She has had SIX marriage proposals in her lifetime (so far) and she has never even entertained the idea of loving anyone else. Her true love is in heaven and she intends to be reunited with him again one day (hopefully not anytime soon!).
I could write all day about her life and all of the interesting experiences she’s had, like how she went to grade school in a little country school house, or about the many countries she’s traveled to, but I will refrain as this a post and not a novel. Already I feel long winded… I’d just like to close with saying that my grandmother is one of the most remarkable and resilient women I know. Happy birthday Grandma! I hope your day is as amazing as you are.
PS: The holidays are fast approaching and while you’re enjoying these special moments with family, I’d like to encourage you to sit with your grandparent(s) – if you’re blest enough to still have them – and ask to record some of their stories on your phone while you sit and chat. Another great idea is to pick up a journal with question prompts (you can find them just about anywhere) and implore them to fill it out. The history and life stories of your loved ones is often more precious that you realize. And you might just find out how fascinating their life has really been.
