Generations

This past week I have been reading "Her Mother's Hope" and "Her Daughter's Dream" both by Francine Rivers. The books follow 4 generations of women starting in the early 1900's and going through modern day with all the trials and tribulations women face the books are wonderful! Reading them makes me think back to my own mother and grandmother's relationships. How they are so different but still the same. Lately when I'm in a hurry and glance in the mirror all I see is my mother. I wonder how many women have had that same thing happen to them.

But it has got me thinking about a lot of things with the women in my family, we have such a un-talked about bond that is truly amazing. We have always been very close. My grandmother moved in with us when I was five to help take care of my brother and I since my dad was nearly out of the picture. It was like having 2 mom's then, I learned a lot of stuff from my grandma and we've always shared a special bond. She is the one who taught me how to keep a house clean and neat and pretty, one of my biggest passions today. I know I got that from her and I love her for it! I remember she was always teaching me "how to be a lady, cross your legs, ladies don't do that, etc." I am so glad she did, I've see girls in my generation that are less than ladies! ha! She was also a stickler on lying, she knew when we were lying and it would crush her! She always told us "I've never told a lie" I didn't know weather to believe it or not as a kid but I think I can see that now.

My mom worked a lot when we were growing up so we spent many days with my grandmother (Mema) she was the one there after school and in the summer, looking back I see what a blessing it really was having her there. And what a weight that had to be lifted off my mom by having her there.

At 86 Mema isn't doing to good these days. She has been battling cancer for almost 4 years now and it is taking it's toll. Sometimes she is in her "right mind" and some days she isn't. My mom is her primary care giver now and that is hard on both of them. I think this year will be a rough one.

Makes me so sad that one day she will not be here anymore and she probably won't get to meet my daughter but I take comfort in knowing she will always be with me and I can't wait to teach my daughter the things Mema taught me!