Asking the Grandmother By Linda Stowe
What did older folks do to occupy themselves before the days of television? I asked my grandmother that once and she said there was always something to keep a person busy of they looked for it. She spent a lot of time crocheting doilies or in the kitchen turning out good food to meet any taste. Her home was filled with hand-sewn pieces and every time I visited, she would send me home with all manner of baked goods, from sweet taffy to salty snack mix.
But what about after there are fewer family members around or a person’s eyesight fails or fingers become too arthritic to train a needle through cloth? What happens then? I’m ashamed to say that I don’t know. I moved out of the area and got on with my life, never once remembering the question I once asked my grandmother.
~~~~~~~
Polly here.
Such a poignant piece. This was just beautiful.
I don’t remember one set of grandparents. My grandfather died before I was born, and my grandmother when I was three.
As for the other set, I don’t have many good memories of my grandmother.
I remember that she was not a very good cook and that she hardly ever spoke. She was not affectionate with anyone. I don’t remember her touching another person. Ever.
I think she was pretty disconnected from the world by the time I came around. But even still, I have a fondness for her. My heart is drawn to her. I imagine she had a difficult life, with difficult emotions. And she did her best to just get through every day.
I don’t know much about this woman. Except that without her, I would not be here. And I am forever grateful for that.
