― Kristin Hannah, Summer Island
I can't even remember when I began to be curious about this woman that I called grandma. She was proper, polite and at times emotionally reserved, but I always longed to be in her presence. I remember this day back in the early 90's when we returned to her family homestead. Watching her gather her memories of earlier years left quite an impression on my heart. I can still feel the breeze rustling the grass and causing the trees to dance with delight. I observed her heart taking in the remembrances of her earlier days. I saw her reminiscing with both her griefs and joys. She lost her brother at a young age and then that loss was compounded by the death of her mother not long afterwards. Throughout our time together I often felt her melancholy.
As she grew older and softer, some of my favorite memories with her were those of holding each others hands and just giggling. She would sit in her recliner and I would pull up a stool and we would unite our hands. She would often giggle that my hands felt so hot. I took delight in this as I intended for the love in my heart to make its way down into my hands. We didn't often use words to express our admiration and love for one another, but if I close my eyes and settle back into her essence, I can still feel the warmth of the love that passed between us.
I now look down at my own hands and I can begin seeing the similarities of my kindred tribe. I always loved that my grandma had polka-dot brown spots (now, I'm not so sure, I've become an advocate for sunscreen). I noticed her crooked pointer fingers and now as I look down I can see the slight bend in my own hand. As I soak in her essence I feel profound love! Love that has been shared with me by the sacred circle of women in my life. Today and always I wish to celebrate those who have shaped and warmed the hearth of my heart. I think of my grandmothers, my mom, my aunt, my beautiful circle of amazing friends and all I can say is that I have been blessed.
I hope you are able to express your amazement for these women in your life who have been nurturing influences. May we celebrate those who have gone before us and those who are still here tending to the ebb and flow of our lives. I have profound gratitude for these woman who have held my hands and touched my heart!
May You Sweetly Seek:)
In Gratitude,
Sarah