Arrie Mae
Women’s History Month has come to a close; I wanted to end it with my grandmother’s story. She is my Foster grandmother, but to me she’s just my grandmother. She did everything for me, never treating me any different than if I were her blood. She and my grandfather, bought me my first car, a burgundy Plymouth Laser, then a new Honda Civic. Later, when she thought my then boyfriend and I might get married, they bought me my first house.
One thing that describes my grandmother is her immeasurable strength. I remember her at my grandfather’s funeral: many of us somber or breaking down, but she was poised, her posture only projected strength. Even in that moment, the sense of always being able to count on her, was strong. There was never any question that if you needed her, she would be there and that she was at every moment still the backbone of the family.
After the funeral, as everyone started to leave, services having come to an end, my grandmother stayed by my grandfather’s side. They had purchased two spaces in a mausoleum, to be buried side by side. We expected her to leave with us, and for my grandfather to be placed, after we left. But she would not leave his side until she was sure that he was placed exactly where they had planned. Only then, when she was certain that he was taken care of, was her work complete..
There are many things I can tell you about my grandmother. She is 95, she is an Aquarius, she is a leader, she makes sound decisions, she is not wasteful – she even made her own clothes. She is also the one you wanted to ride with if you were late for school – she would drop everything she was doing to make sure you got there fast and safe. If you had an after school activity, she was always there – no questions asked. My grandmother was a good wife, who has tremendous love for her family. When my grandfather’s sight failed him, she became his eyes. She is patient. She is always understanding.
My grandmother has a quiet dignity, one that I hope to one day inherit. She is an inspiration and she is my comfort. She will forever have changed my life….
