I remember my Great-Grandmother being more than sure of herself, she was confident and she had a presence about her that demanded your attention. I was close to her, undeniably and inexplicably close. Her passing more than sixteen years ago now gutted me. I felt as though my world would crumble. Her mind decided to give up on her. She had a form of dementia that beat her to a pulp and shrunk her overwhelming presence to one that we needn’t cower from.
I do not want to ever know what it feels like to lose your mind, your sanity, your ability to make vital decisions for both yourself and others. When my Great-Grandmother’s condition worsened, her children agreed to have her placed under the watchful eyes of an appointed caregiver. There, in someone else’s home, she was monitored and cared for accordingly by professionals. It was there on my visits to her, that I noticed how aggressive this illness was. She didn’t know me anymore. Oh, she knew that I was family, but she kept referring to me as my older cousin. It pained me to watch her wither, to witness her become someone I did not know.
Even though she was no longer as smart as a whip and her memory began shifting and leaving her day by day, there was still a sense of groundedness in her. I looked at her and she appeared centered. Was it the fact that she was in her eighties and had been the epitome of strength and tenacity for our family for decades? Was it because I still saw the confident and self-assured reckoning of a woman that she was? I am certain that it was a combination of these things, but now, when I feel as though I may fall or am falling, I think of her. I remember who she was and…
I tell myself that I am of her blood and I am centered, grounded, confident, and sure.
I am hers even if she’s gone.
This is such a lovely tribute, Tre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mags. Thank you. ❤ Are you able to Skype?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Tre. Haven’t logged on to Skype in ages, but will do so now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s okay, love. I’m no longer able to talk his Skype just now. About to eat and rest. My back is killing me. Lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too bad. Rest well, my love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
*nods* Thank you, Mags.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Tre. Give the little Monster a huge hug from Auntie Mags.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
A touching tribute, trE. It sounds like she had a great presence – and no doubt she still does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, ma’am. Thank you.
LikeLike
Beautiful, Tre. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Peter. 😊
LikeLike
Welcies, mate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great connection to have with your great-grandmother. How blessed we are to know our (great) grandparents. I hope you do find out who those others are in the photo, especially the women – they truly look as though they could tell a few stories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a hunch that the woman sitting next to my Great-Grandmother is my Great-Aunt (her daughter) and the man next to her is my Great-uncle (her son), and the woman to the far right is his ex-wife (but girlfriend at the time). I’m going to find out for sure. Thank you, Jane!
LikeLiked by 2 people
There does seem to be a strong resemblance between your great-grandmother and the woman next to her. I can’t wait to read your updates!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. I know! I’m going to ask my older cousin, the one who sent me the photo. I am almost certain this is the breakdown. I hope it is. I’ll update next week. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jane, I spoke with my older cousin today. It is my Great-Aunt, my Great-Aunt’s first husband, and my Great-Uncle’s wife, so I was nearly right. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the update!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊 You’re welcome. Thanks for the interest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This….such a beautiful tribute to an amazing soul. She must be so proud of you, I am💚✨⭐️🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kim! Hey, there! Thank you! I hope she is. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person