Setting Her Free
We’ve just finished hosting my grandparents, my sister and her beautiful six-month-old daughter. They traveled to be with us for the Thanksgiving holiday and there was a little bit of magic in our home to have three generations under the same roof cooking, eating and mothering together.
We’re all so different with dissimilar lives, spouses, homes and environments, yet we’re intrinsically tied together and comforted by our heart strings. We share a lifetime of memories, heart aches and joys, yet there are still mysteries to unravel and lessons to learn and pass on.
My grandmother is 77-years-old and fighting fit, but I know our time together is limited. I’ve written about her briefly in a previous post. I explained in minor detail that her life story is one my pen has been itching to ink for several years. It’s full of gut-wrenching personal horrors, unusual road twists, and triumphs that speak to her soul’s unwillingness to wallow in despair.
Over the years I’ve mentioned to her that I’d like to dance my fingers across the pages of her life and she’s never actually said no, but she’s never actually said yes either. During our time together last week, my husband broached the subject again and this time we had quite a different reaction. When I told my grandmother I’d be honored to write her story and explained why I think it’s an important narrative to share, she said yes. This time she really said yes, and then she turned to me and quietly contemplated, “Maybe it will finally set me free.”
Oh! What a great idea!
garys last blog post..TP WARS
What a wonderful response from your grandmother. and sounds like a lovely weekend at your home.
phhhsts last blog post..Thanksgiving and Living: Getting There
WOW! What a response, I look forward to hearing the stories! What cherished memories it will be to work with your grandmother!
Amys last blog post..New Years Resolution (just a little early)
wow, that’s huge!
Judy Haleys last blog post..Thanksgiving with the In-Laws
So many life stories are lost to time. This is wonderful that you will be telling your grandmother’s story.
Hopefully you will share some of that story with us…and her response? must really have set you on fire! How exciting this will be for both of you…
Her reaction brings tears to my eyes! I hope it is not because she feels haunted by some of the things you mentioned. Bless her. I can’t wait to hear more about her, and I hope you’ll post some of the stories on your blog!
HeatherPrides last blog post..Thanks..giving (2008 edition)
Wow, just wow. Such a beautiful idea, and her answer is incredible. I wish you the best in your biographical efforts, I can tell it’s going to be an amazing story (that I also hope you’ll post parts of).
I’ve got an award for you! On my blog! I forgot to add you (d’oh!) the first time, but you’re there now!
goodfathers last blog post..Manwards
What a beautiful woman your grandma sounds like… I can’t wait to read her story.
oooh i can’t wait to hear more!
Memarie Lanes last blog post..Happily Ever Sometimes
*sniff, sniff*
Gee, I smell a best seller in the vicinity.
So when do you start and do you need a proof reader?
Jans last blog post..And Here I Am Again
I love you…. your words have the power to do so many things but most importantly heal…. I love you….. it makes sense that you are meant to tell the story…. it all makes sense…. XOXOXOX
Oh my.. that response gave me goosebumps. I suspect it will be a tear-jerker.
Hilarys last blog post..A Knock at the Door
I can’t wait to hear her story! Please treat us to draft chapters as you write them!
thatcoolbroads last blog post..Doormats need not apply (because you’ll never be cool)
What an incredible gift that will be to give to your grandmother…and hers to you for allowing you to write it. Can’t wait to stand in line for my autographed copy.
Smart Mouth Broads last blog post..A MANLY AWARD FOR MOI?
Tricia
This book will be a best seller. I also can not wait to read it and I already know some of the stories that will be in this book. Sounds like you have already sold a lot of books.
You make me proud.
And the truth shall set you free
Love
XOXOX
Wow! That is so awesome and what a beautiful answer she gave to you. What an honor for both of you. I am sure you will tell her story beautifuly!
Loris last blog post..The Helping Hands Project
RIGHT ON!!! The stories will be awesome, I just know it!!
Grandys last blog post..The Sweet Old Man
What a beautiful story. I honestly can’t wait until you get to writing. She sounds like an amazing woman!
Jens last blog post..Well hello!
Now I’m intrigued by what she said and want to know more…
Mikes last blog post..Logic and Teenagers
Wow! That is awesome.
Cheri @ Blog This Mom!s last blog post..And Now I Have Papa Smurf Toe
*gulp* That caused a big ‘ol lump in my throat. Can’t wait to read it. What are you waiting for? Get to it, young lady!!! *wink*
Midlife Slicess last blog post..Are You Ready For The Reveal?
What a great thing for you all!
Nora Bees last blog post..The sisterhood of the mate selection
wow, being that your grandmother is my mother and you my neice, I can’t wait until you put words to this story that is so long over due (for ALL of us). I can’t tell you enough how very proud I am of you! You are opening doors that have closed for so long. I love my mother and I know that she has been tormented internally for sooooo long. I also know that this will be a bumpy road to travel. Please never forget that I am always here to travel the road with you when the road gets rough. I love you with all of my heart. Lorie
* chills *
Blessings to you on this venture!
Stacy (mama-om)s last blog post..What It Feels Like
Your Grandma’s answer made me burst into tears. Isn’t it magical when we reach an age where our relatives can be so honest and real with us. It was comforting as a child to always see the happy and secure face our elders presented to us. As an adult, I now know what a struggle it must have been at times to do just that. I miss the security, but I am overwhelmed at the respect, trust, honesty and unity that can now go both ways. Her readiness for you to tell her story in full means so very much.
Lisa Ps last blog post..Quivering Lips
Oh wow, that’s amazing. I have all sorts of photos and papers and stuff from my heritage on my mom’s side. My great grandfather was a tabloid journalist for Hearst WAAAAAY back. I have photos of my great grandfather playing GOLF with Babe Ruth and hanging with Will Rogers. Ooooo I want to write that book too! My gosh, you are going to do it, arent you???!
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[...] to tell you about the interviews I conducted with my grandmother, aunts and mother as I started the memoir writing project I’ve mentioned. I have hours of tapes to transcribe and wrap my brain and emotions [...]