grandparents
Becoming a grandparent makes getting older something to look forward to - all the fun of parenting, without the hassle.
The woman I was named after
Fragile yet strong hands that depicted years of hard work endured. From farming, cooking, trading constantly to feed her children, my grandma was a strong woman. Brown skin like the silkiest of chocolate relenting on her youth that was stolen by time and life. Trekking many miles on two spindly legs that required a limp in order to sustain the tingling pain she felt from her aged bones. She walked the muddy streets of Nigeria to fulfil her role as a mother as well as her responsibility to her body to replenish its many energy expenditure. Her previously 5 foot 6 inches that she was, now stood at 5 foot 2 inches due to the hunch she had obtained over her years of having to bend over to find sustenance. Her face tells the story of a life well lived. Under the harsh suns of Africa, her once fair and bouncy skin now sags on her skin like a calm wave never disturbed. Once flawlessly brown with no speckles, her skin sits on her face speckled like a chocolate chip cookie from the years of constant exposure to the harshness of the UV rays from the sun. Once plump and resistant to gravity her cheeks were sunken and her flesh no longer able to hide the secrets that the flesh of every human tried so desperately to hide. Her eyes looked tired and yet bright from the many knowledge it had absorbed from its surroundings. The sparse scattering that was her hair rested on her head like a population that was on the verge of extinction, sat aging along with her. She truly was a beautiful woman. The woman who raised me even when she had little left to give, for she had given her all to nine other kids from her womb. What she had viewed as little was immense to me because it shaped the person that I am today. I attribute my persevering nature to all the times that she never backed down no matter how impossible a situation seemed. Her humbling demeanor even to those undeserving of it taught me that my reaction to a situation was what determined the outcome. Despite her appearance that hinted to everyone she met that she was old and fragile, she commanded respect like a drill sergeant urging his soldiers to stand at attention but without the loud voice. She was the man and the woman in her house. Her independent nature is what drives me to work hard for myself relying on no one but my hard work to pave the way for me. She never caved to the patriarchal laws that society tried to place on her. In a world that required two persons to keep a house afloat, she found a way to live with one and be a great mother all at once. I reminisce of those times we spent together just the both of us, those were rare moments where you would tell me of your youth and I would look at you in wonder admiring the woman you used to be and the woman that you became. Even in death your presence in my life is unwavering. The lessons you taught me are not forgotten. This was the woman that laid the foundation of the woman I aspire to be. An independent confident woman whom even in the face of adversity finds a way to come out prosperous. I could never be the woman that she was. I could only strive to be the best version of myself because this is what she taught me.
By Sarah Musa6 years ago in Families
Kintsukuroi Heart
“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” Maya Angelou It would have been easy to pick any of the beautiful women that have resisted, pushed forward, marched, motivated, or been martyred for others through words and actions. There is a long list of those many of us acknowledge, and surely a much longer list of those that we do not. I have chosen to share with you about one that is not well known, yet her works, and indeed, what she chose not to do in her life, had lasting impact in the lives of many.
By LP Steinbeck6 years ago in Families
How to Grow Old
My grandma’s story doesn’t involve international travel, or fame. She led a fairly quite life; no potential blip for future history books. But, to me, it’s the most important story of all. It takes place in small Midwestern towns and is about a conservative woman who grew up in a conservative time with conservative beliefs; who, at 95, has shown how to accept and love and change in an imperfect world. It’s a story on how to grow old.
By Morgan Lee6 years ago in Families
From Uncertainty to Victory!
The Beginning: Lets begin in 3, 2, 1… in the spring of 1993 is where it all had begun. I imagine that it was a rainy day with just a hint of sun. I was catapulted through the womb of my mother, then before I knew it I was caught between a lash and a gun. According to statistics and probabilities, not speaking physically, but emotionally I was scarred from the start, wounded, marked and it pierced through the heart. My grand entrance into this three dimensional plane of existence was doomed from the start. Like so many, I was unplanned, but there was still a plan, even though I did not enter this world under the best circumstances.
By Sierra Fearless6 years ago in Families
Dementia
"Thank you uh... who are you again?" Those soul crushing words were knives in my heart. A perfect substitute for physical pain. The cold air filled my lungs as I walk the empty street corner, scarce of civilization, but teeming in advertisements, attempting to regain the life that once bristled the streets. The life that had bustled and that could not sit still. The go-getter's. My grandmother.
By Emily Carroll6 years ago in Families
Love In Challenges
She was stoic, prideful, loving and had the strength of beef stock. My nana better known as Louise was a woman who persevered her way through life. An epitome of the sophisticated lady, wife mother, grandmother, sister church clerk and Bell Atlantic first black woman to be a telephone operator in the district of Queens, New York. She touched many lives and a leader in her own right. I always wondered about her story and what molded her into who she was. What were the layers that unveiled this beautiful spirit? Well she had a mix of old school, but she was a deep thinker but also strong in her faith. During her last stages of cancer is where her an I truly established a stronger bond as I was a young teen with a lot of challenges ahead of me that would transform my life for my highest good. I put my amour on to fight with her and assist her in anyway I could even though I had the least bit of tools to assist me for what was coming but I gained them on the way. She didn’t tell anyone she was sick because she was the strong one, she held down the fort when things got rough, she handled the business as they would say. I look back and ask who was strong for her who took care of her when she felt weak or even a little inadequate. I can hear her say it now “God”. She needed support, compassion, love and kindness more than ever.
By Johnetta Cuff6 years ago in Families
Bloomers or Boomers . Top Story - April 2020.
Black Bloomers are Future Guide Reference’s for Black Woman I’ve been indecisive on which women out of two in particular inspires me the most in my life and throughout instilling great values, morals, standards, respect, and no shit taking energy along with strength from childhood to adulthood.
By lurenoor006 years ago in Families
My Inspiration
My Inspiration Hi, my name is Ayesha Hynes, and today I'm going to be telling you about the woman who inspires me the most, my Nan. My Nan is a very special person in my life, she has always been there for me, she is very kind and a great roll model.
By Ayesha Hynes6 years ago in Families
Best Ways to Support A Family Member with Alzheimer’s
When my grandmother was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, my parents and I felt helpless. What could we do to make things easier for her? How quickly will her cognitive decline happen? How could we preserve her quick wit and sense of humor? Was there a way to slow her memory loss?
By Sherry Campbell6 years ago in Families
The Godmother
All the positive words found in then entire world couldn't even begin to describe this woman. This woman was my grandmother. She was the most loving, giving, and just person you could ever meet. Yes, I have to admit that to some of you this may sound cliche and maybe it is. However, let's dive in and see what's this all about. Shall we?
By Bybyana Arias6 years ago in Families
I miss you
Hey Momo, I love you! That's the first thing i would say to you. I love you and I miss you! It's been a month since you went home. And as much as I wish to be there by your side, I got to see you smile and make you laugh one more time before you went.
By alexandria Urrutia6 years ago in Families
