My theme is Musical Memories: The Memories that music brings rushing back.
Mama Ruth was Mother's mother. She was around fairly often through my childhood, yet I have so few real memories of who she was. After all, I was a child. And most of the time when she was around when I was young she was busy in the kitchen or visiting my mother and her sisters. Then she was older and sick and frail. And took turns for a time staying at first one daughters and then another's house.
So, I seldom had real conversations with her. Never really got to know her. But one day. One day, when she was taking a turn staying with us, she and I were alone in the living room. I put on a Merle Haggard album and the song "I Take a Lot of Pride in What I Am" came on.
Above all, I remember her foot that was crossed over one leg starting to swing in time with the music. I remember her remarking how much she enjoyed the song. It resonated within her. Not necessarily having much or being famous in the world's view, but still living one's life with pride and purpose. We conversed some that day. But in all honesty, I don't remember any of what was said.
What I remember is her reaction to this song. And in that moment I knew how she treasured and prided herself in her simple life and in being certain of who and what she was. It's a one moment revelation that still resides within me and helps to define who I am today.
Did you get to have a grandparent with you beyond your teen years?
What was the most pivotal moment you ever had with a grandparent?
What values of theirs still resonate within you today?
