This past Sunday Waylon met his great-great grandmother. She is 95 years old; my mom’s mom’s mom and one of the first women in American history to go to college. Or more importantly, one of the first women in American history to go to college and actually graduate.
Grandmom held him as best she could (he is very squirmy) and noted that he is very handsome (he is). We tried to take a 5 generation picture, but despite much cooing and coaxing, baby was just not in the mood.
What must it be like to live for almost 100 years? To live through multiple wars, depressions, death, disease, natural disasters, changes in government, changes in civil and women’s rights, changes in everything.
I have not lived long enough yet to adequately comprehend aging, though listening to her talk about having a baby seventy years ago did give me some perspective. One might argue she has been blessed with the health and strength to live this long, yet most often my heart aches for her losses; a husband, a daughter, friends, independence, a world without housing developments and rampant technology.
At one point Grandmom said in a very quiet, matter-of-fact way, “This is a different world.”
I think that about sums it up.
Grandmom, Mom, and Me (at 3 weeks old)
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That’s a great picture of you, mom, and g-mom. He did well with the first pic. At least you have one where he’s not so mad :)
What a wonderful picture of Grandmom! SO glad you went to visit with her!
I’m confused. Where is your mom’s mom?
I know! I should have clarified. She passed away in her early fifties (much too young).
What a special time for all of you! It is hard to really understand what they have lived through. Jim’s dad is 96 and I spend a lot of time with him these days. He has taught me a lot about growing up in the early 1900′s. He tells many good stories about his town, his friends, his school, and his family. His sister is 93, and still doing well. I guess Jim has some good genes!
My daughter got to meet her great, great grandma too who is 93 and healthy as ever. Last Christmas we took a 5 generations picture. We are very blessed!