My grandmother is in her 90s and lives only 35 minutes away from me by car in New Jersey, USA. I don’t call her enough, and I don’t take my daughter over to see her enough. It makes me feel guilty, but here’s why. My day is filled with constant pressures of taking care of my daughter, “Mommy, I have to go potty”, “Mommy, I’m hungry”, “Mommy, I’m thirsty”, “Mommy, can you play frogs with me?”, “Mommy, can you make a play date with Ava?”, “Mommy, I don’t feel so well”, etc.
Then, I have a husband who works ridiculously long days, which means that I pick up more of what’s supposed to be our shared household chores. On top of that, I’m just trying to get through the day with my eyes open because I’m 4 months pregnant and struggling with fatigue. And, I write when I get the chance to keep myself sane.
So, why the heck do I want to pick up the phone at the end of MY day to hear my grandmother complain about her arthritis and why I never call her on top of it all?? Sometimes I just can’t take anymore on my plate, and I’m too overwhelmed. As everyone seems to say these days, “It is what it is”, right? But then, I got to thinking about my grandmother’s life, and I had an epiphany…
She grew up in upstate New York, and her parents were the offspring of Polish immigrants to the United States. They made a great living, and Grandma tells me that her father was one of the first in their area to own a Ford Model T automobile in the early 1900s. Pretty cool, eh?
But, then the Great Depression came in the 1920s and her parents, my great-grandparents, practically lost everything. They couldn’t afford for her to go to college, so she responded to an advertisement in the mail to go to New York City and train as a nurse. They would pay for her room and board while she trained, and then she’d have a job afterwards. So just like that, my grandmother left her family behind in the country and headed to Brooklyn, NY to become a psychiatric nurse.
She can tell you some scary and heart breaking stories about her patients. It was a tough job. Nobody wanted to do it. But, in desperation and with found pride grandma donned her nurse’s hat and began studying and helping people who were mentally ill. She was determined to make a living for herself and send back money to her family.
She met my grandfather in Brooklyn, where his family owned and ran shoe stores in New York City. He immigrated as a child to the United States via Ellis Island in the early 1900s from Lebanon. They fell in love, got married and she moved in…well, with her in-laws, her unmarried brother-in-law and my grandfather. The thing is, my grandmother grew up speaking English and Polish, and she was about to move into a home where her in-laws didn’t know a lick of either language, they only spoke Lebanese Arabic!
On top of plunging into learning a foreign language, she “had to be” trained to make all of the Arabic food (I’m thankful for that, because she’s pretty good at it!) and was in charge of taking care of my great-grandmother who became very sick with cancer. So, here you have this blue-eyed and blond-haired American woman speaking fluent Lebanese Arabic and helping to take care of a Lebanese family that is now her own in New York, USA in the mid 1900s. Pretty amazing.
Next, she had two children and times were still tough. My grandfather wanted to go to college to become a mechanical engineer, but he couldn’t because his family couldn’t afford it because World War II broke out. Instead, he signed up to be a machinist and during wartime he was patching holes in ships, including the U.S.S. Missouri. He didn’t make enough money to support their extended household, so my grandmother had to keep her job working nights. I have no idea when she slept because she was in charge of the cooking, the cleaning and taking care of the children during the day.
Then, later in life, tragedy was around the corner for her. In the 1990s my octogenarian grandfather was killed by a car, while crossing the street in their Brooklyn neighborhood. During that time, I was fresh out of college and working on Wall St., and I could commute on Wednesday nights to my grandmother’s house in Brooklyn. I slept over with her every Wednesday for a year after his death, until she sold her house and moved to a retirement village in New Jersey.
So, that saying I mentioned earlier, “It is what it is”? I think it’s really just a bunch of hullabaloo, an excuse. Because I realize that sometimes I have to change my small world perspective and dig deeper, and I find that life isn’t only what it seems on the surface. How pathetic I now feel about saying that I’m overwhelmed in MY daily chores after recounting my grandmother’s story. It has made me learn that I should really be uncovering the layers before I jump to conclusions or make decisions about anything or anyone in life.
Actually, I’d love to keep writing about this epiphany I’m having, but I’ve got something urgent that I have to do right now. I have to go and call someone special to lend a sympathetic ear to her arthritis complaints, see when I can bring my daughter over to cheer her up and hear some old stories, and give her a really big hug and be thankful that she’s still around to complain that I never call. I love you, Grandma.
Moms, do you find yourself putting off something important, too, after just getting through your busy day? Share it with us in the comments section below!
This is an original post for World Moms Blog by Jennifer Burden (previously written under pen name Veronica Samuels in 2010).
Photo of Jennifer’s grandmother in her nursing uniform.
Jennifer Burden
Jennifer Burden is the Founder and CEO of World Moms Network, an award winning website on global motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. World Moms Network writes from over 30 countries, has over 70 contributors and was listed by Forbes as one of the “Best 100 Websites for Women”, named a “must read” by The New York Times, and was recommended by The Times of India. She was also invited to Uganda to view UNICEF’s family health programs with Shot@Life and was previously named a “Global Influencer Fellow” and “Social Media Fellow” by the UN Foundation. Jennifer was invited to the White House twice, including as a nominated "Changemaker" for the State of the World Women Summit. She also participated in the One Campaign’s first AYA Summit on the topic of women and girl empowerment and organized and spoke on an international panel at the World Bank in Washington, DC on the importance of a universal education for all girls. Her writing has been featured by Baby Center, Huffington Post, ONE.org, the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life, and The Gates Foundation’s “Impatient Optimists.” She is currently a candidate in Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in the Executive Masters of Public Affairs program, where she hopes to further her study of global policies affecting women and girls. Jennifer can be found on Twitter @JenniferBurden.
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I think it is great that you know your grandmothers story and that you will be able to share it with your daughter when she gets older as well, I think it is so important to know (and appreciate) where one comes from!
But I now feel so guilty (I actually had tears in my eyes after reading the first couple of lines) that I don’t spend more time with my grandmother! She lives only 30 minutes away from me and even though I have had 9 months maternity leave, I have only seen her a 3 or 4 times, but I have lots of really really good excuses as to why I haven’t seen her more often… But I guess no excuse is good enough when you think that we only have a limited amount of time together.
Right – I have to go and call my grandmother now!
I think I went through a whole box of tissues writing this one — it was very emotional for me! Sometimes life is so busy that I forget what is really important, and I didn’t want to come to that conclusion when it was too late.
Enjoy your time with your grandmother, Asta! 🙂
Wow! And to think I just finished telling my friend I didn’t think I had enough energy to go grocery shopping because I feel drained! What a strong, amazing woman your grandmother is, you must be so proud. And like Asta, I had to fight back the tears whilst reading. Thank you for putting things into perspective.
P.S. What part of Brooklyn did your grandpArents live?
The irony of it all is that I scheduled this article to publish last week. I didn’t realize until yesterday the significance of the date. Nov. 2nd was my grandfather’s birthday. It’s eery how that happens…
And, thanks for your nice comment! I am proud of my grandmother. 🙂 Not proud of my own whining and complaining, but proud of my grandmother. Writing helped me put things in perspective. 🙂
They lived in Park Slope in Brooklyn.
I think it’s great that you realized how special your grandmother is 🙂
http://www.runtobefit.wordpress.com
Thank you, and thank you for reading, runtobefit! She is special to me. 🙂
Great post.
Send Grandma a virtual hug from a fan out in Balto.
I think she rocks!
You do too!
Hey and being pregnant and taking care of a 4 year old is no small feat.
Hang in there.
Thank you! I just had a great conversation with my grandma. She couldn’t believe that her picture is on the front page of WordPress, and she was so excited!
Then, grandma said, “What is everyone going to think that sees me? Ahh, they’re mostly all dead now, the people that knew me then. Pump me up!” She is so funny!
She then said, “Come over, so we can write a book because I have lots of stories” and then, ofcourse, ending the conversation saying “Now, don’t forget to call me!”
I think this is the happiest day that she’s had in a long time. 🙂 I will definitely send her your virtual hug, gmomj! 🙂 Thank you for reading!
I love how you ended this with looking outside of yourself. It is pretty easy to only see what you want to see. I don’t have half the excuses you have, but if I try hard enough, I can think of some. I love that you are making time for her despite everything that is going on.
The Simple Life of a Country Man’s Wife,
Thank you for your comment! If my daughter and I didn’t have colds today, we’d be with her right now. I’m so glad that the news of this article made her so happy. 🙂
I often find myself realizing that I need to stop and think and put things in perspective. The world doesn’t revolve around me, and I need to discover the larger picture. It helps makes life richer. 🙂
(Also, thanks to you for reading an article of mine again! We last met on “I’ve Got the Magic in Me” on Jersey Moms Blog.) I hope we meet again! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
A wonderful reminder of what – and who – is really important. 🙂
Emjayandthem,
Thank you for reading, and thank you for your nice comment. It’s a great day for my grandmother! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Thank you so much for sharing your grandmother’s story. It does help put things in perspective. I am familiar with the feeling of being overwhelmed – two kids, one with autism, full-time job, two hours a day commuting, helping hubby with his business. And that’s before I even get down to the business of daily living, like household chores and cooking meals. Sometimes it feels too much for me, BUT after reading this, I take a step back and think, hey, other people have dealt with far more and survived, and so can I!
http://runningforautism.wordpress.com
Running for Autism,
Sounds like you have a lot on your plate! I love that saying by Eleanor Roosevelt, something like, “A woman is like a tea bag. You don’t know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” I feel that I sometimes don’t know my own capabilities until I’m underwater.
Hang in there! And, I hope you find some inspiration on our blog in the future. We have a mom, Maggie Ellison in South Carolina, who also has a child with special needs. You two should get in touch! I will send her to your site. That’s the thing about motherhood — we often feel like we are so alone, but really through blogging we can all come together and support each other. 🙂
Thanks for reading!
Veronica Samuels
I’m taking care of my mom, who’s 81 and was adopted. Thru a lot of her own research, she was able to find her birth parents, and she is writing a memoir, bits and pieces of which are available on her blog, MomsChildhood, at http://momsmemoirs.wordpress.com.
It’s not easy taking care of a parent & living your own life, but it has its rewards, not least learning about your extended family. Thanks for the post! RT
RT,
Thanks for sharing this site with us! As soon as I tell my grandmother that your mom has a blog and is 81 years old, she is totally going to want one!! Moms Memoirs would be a great blog for us to read together. I’m happy to hear that you are enjoying discovering about your extended family, too. And, good for you for managing taking care of your mom and still knowing that it’s important to make time for yourself, too.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll come back and visit us at World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I’ve been feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with a newborn over here. Definitely makes me put things in perspective to read you story and your grandmothers – that I perhaps don’t have it too bad. Hang in there!
Hi Mom in Training!
Congratulations on the birth of your baby! How did everything go? We last spoke when you were 12 days from your due date on my article, “I’ve Got the Magic in Me” on Jersey Moms Blog. I want to hear all about it and how you are doing!
You also may be interested in checking out our World Moms Blog post yesterday, “The Story So Far” by Asta from Norway. She talks about those same feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed after having a baby. I’m sure you two mom bloggers would have a lot in common, and she would enjoy your site!
I’m glad that my article helped put things in perspective for you. Writing is like my therapy, and I need it to see the big picture more! Thank you for reading, and keep in touch! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I’ll have to see if I can find the World Moms Blog. Baby is doing well and is healthy, which is the most important thing. Last few days have been frustrating as I had a migraine and the baby seems to want to feed less and more frequently. I am dreaming about breastfeeding and wake up confused as to whether I actually fed her or not! I wonder if this is common among new moms.
You can see I’m sleep deprived… hello… I’m reading World Moms Blog! Will check out yesterdays post.
Hi momintrai,
the article I wrote yesterday just touches on “the top of the iceberg” when it comes to the frustration I was feeling in the beginning!
Your comment above about the breastfeeding reminds me of how I was feeling; I used to dream about it too! I would dream that I was breastfeeding him, then I would wake up because he was crying, and I would be so confused as I was sure that I was feeding him, and sometimes I would wonder if there were two babies, one that I was feeding, and one in his cot… I really felt like I was loosing my mind for a bit there! In the end I had to start taking notes as to when I had fed him, and then when I woke up in the morning I could have a look at my sheet and see how many times I fed him! (That sounds really nerdy, but I am a control freak…) My husband who was sleeping in the guestroom at the time would come into my room in the morning and check out the sheet to see if I had had a good or bad night without having to wake me up 🙂
But it will get easier!!
Sorry to hear about the migraine, I used to suffer from it and wouldn’t wish that on anybody, especially not anybody who has a newborn baby.
If you would like to have a look at my article you can find it here: http://worldmomsblog.com/2010/11/01/the-story-so-far/
Would love to hear your comments about your experiences!
Glad to see I’m not the only one with this dream problem! The dreams certainly do feel real! Enjoyed your blog “The story so far”!
Andrew,
Thank you for reading, and I’m glad you found the article inspiring!
Nice cars, by the way! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
What a beautiful testament to your grandmother’s life. She’s lucky to have you.
Mikalee,
That is soooo nice of you to say. 🙂 I’m lucky to have her, too. 🙂 She is so happy today, and it just warms my heart!
Thank you for reading!
Veronica Samuels
I’m jealous that you have a grandmother and that you know so much about her. Both of my grandmothers died when I was very young.
Crystal
http://www.crystalspins.com
Hi Crystal!
So sorry to hear that, Crystal. 🙁 I never got to know my maternal grandmother because she died when my mom was only a teenager, so I know what that’s like, too. I wish I got to know her.
It’s great to hear from you again — we last talked on my article, “I’ve Got the Magic in Me”. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I love this article and your grandma! AND, what about you… my goodness your parents raised you right. You spent every Wed. for a year with her. I hope to goodness that my girls turn out like you. I absolutely love that you did that for her. I feel so fortunate to have you in my life (even though we don’t live near each other), just to have you as an example of how you live your life… I really hold you in the highest of esteem!
Courtney,
That means the world coming from you!! Really. And, I’m looking forward to the post of your article, “Homeschooling Is Where the Heart Is…”, here, on World Moms Blog on Monday!!
You are truly one of my favorite “supermoms”! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
This is a great post, really puts things in perspective. It is a chore for me to call my parents who live 400 miles away. My life may be busy but it is not that busy that I can not call more often.
Notes from Rumbley Cottage,
Thank you! I want to live life with no more regrets. I know that’s impossible, but if I can try to at least do and say the things that are important to me going forward and not let them fall through the cracks in a life that is busy, hopefully that means less regrets! Sometimes, the hard part is figuring out what actually is important before it’s too late. Things you would have said, would have done.
I hope I’ve inspired you to call your parents today! 🙂
Thanks for visiting World Moms Blog! I hope you find more inspiration here! And, good to chat with you again! (We last chatted on my article “I’ve Got the Magic in Me”.) Keep in touch!
Veronica Samuels
Wow, thank you for sharing! This piece really hit home. It’s easy to get caught up in rigid daily schedules, and in turn, forget to spend time with the people closest to your heart.
Sarah,
You are so welcome. Writing has really opened up new things and feelings in life for me. 🙂 Sometimes it’s difficult to be brave and share them with the world. But, I feel so much better when I do.
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Thank you for reading, and I hope you will keep up with World Mom Blog!
Veronica Samuels
Your blog is an example of what I love about this technology: it’s a chance to publish people’s lives and loves. I hope you inspire others to write similarly. Thanks.
Nor,
Your words are flattering, but even more so when I just checked out your “About” page of your blog and see that you are a memoir teacher.
If others need help writing the same kind of thing, I hope they will go to your site! 🙂
Thank you for reading! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Awesome post! I want to hug your grandma! 😉 I am overwhelmed on a daily basis, taking care of 4 little boys (3 have had liver transplants) I am currently at the hospital with the youngest, but I still wish I could call my Grandma! She passed away 20 years ago – you are so lucky to be able to know your grandma as an adult and your daughter is extra lucky to have a Great-Grandma!! Take care~Amy
Hi Amy,
Thank you for your kind words! Having 4 children is a great feat, but having to go through the hardship of 3 liver transplants on 3 of your children…to me, you are amazing. I have a good friend in Chicago who has recently gone through dealing with multiple surgeries on her baby daughter, and I will definitely send her to your blog for inspiration. 🙂 And, I hope your child is out of the hospital soon.
Keep in touch with us at World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Me Llamo Brown,
It sounds like your grandmother and you both have the same kind of spirit! I hope your Betty White dream comes true! 😉
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll check in again at World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
this post made me realize how much i miss my grandparents. they also had tough times during the war and im so thankful they held out the way the did. my grandparents (on both sides) died when i was pretty young but they were able to tell me stories about their lives. thanks for this post. 😛
Hi Nina,
I’m happy to see you thinking about your grandparents today. 🙂 Keep those stories close to your heart and make sure you write them down for future generations — they are invaluable!
Thank you for reading! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Sarah,
Thank you! I never thought of that — I will definitely let grandma know, and I’m sure she will be pleased! 🙂
Thank you for reading, and I hope you will check in with World Moms Blog again! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I just wanted to say I love the stroy of your Grandma an the pic of her. We always publish a page in the Fertility Road Magazine on “Not Forgotten” check out the pic at http://www.fertilityroad.com
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Yes, I’m familiar with your magazine, “Fertility Road”, “Europe’s #1 Fertility Magazine”, and we follow you on Twitter! I am no stranger to infertility, and I’m thrilled to be carrying a baby right now who was made possible through IVF. She will actually be a dual citizen of Britain and the US when she arrives! (My husband is from England.) Thank you for sharing the picture, too. 🙂
We have 2 moms who will be joining our team of writers from the US and the UK who will be discussing fertility on World Moms Blog — I hope you will look out for their articles in the months to come!
Thank you for reading my article today. My grandmother has been looking at her picture on the computer all day, while smiling. 🙂 And, I hope you will stay in touch with World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
Wongmutilan,
Thank you for reading from Indonesia! I will definitely let grandma know that you send her a hello and that you enjoyed her story.
And, if you happen to know any mothers in Indonesia who would be interesting in writing for World Moms Blog, please pass on our site, http://www.worldmomsblog.com and have them e-mail us at worldmomsblog@gmail.com
We are looking to expand our global reaches and to report more stories from mothers all around the globe! And, we’d love to add an Indonesian perspective!
Thank you for reading!
Veronica Samuels
I think some certain people in my family should read your blog. After my grandmother had a stroke, things haven’t been the same and people don’t give her the love and respect she deserves. She suffers from dementia and often times doesn’t remember who and what is around her. People end up taking her for granted. I think I have been guilty of that at times. 🙁
http://www.ccranmore.wordpress.com
Crystal,
That’s so sad. Like in the movie, “The Notebook”, the older woman who can’t remember anything. It must be so frustrating for your family members when they don’t receive any emotion or recognition back from your grandmother. Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it and know you’re doing the right thing. I hope I’ve inspired you to give her a big hug next time you see her!
And, thank you for checking in from CBS 3 in Philadelphia. From your blog site, it sounds like you are quite an ambitious woman! 🙂
Keep in touch with World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
Eva,
That’s so sweet!! Thanks for relating and for the advice! 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading your article from Seattle, Washington when it posts on World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Love the quote from Eleanor Roosevelt.
“It has made me learn that I should really be uncovering the layers before I jump to conclusions or make decisions about anything or anyone in life.” I try and go by this philosophy because it’s just so easy to make excuses for ourselves and yet never ‘excuse’ other people.
Say hi to your grandmother and stay close. Sadly we don’t always appreciate what or who we have in our lives until it or they have gone. Cherish your times together.
Congratulations too on being Freshly Pressed! 🙂
Idiosyncratic Eye,
I’ve got to be honest with you. The first time I saw that Eleanor Roosevelt quote was on a pillow in a mail order catalogue years ago. 🙂 It’s funny how things like that just stick with you, and I never know where I’m going to find inspiration!
I’m glad you liked the article, and creative profile on your blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Global Lingerie,
That is a great attitude on life to have! Thank you for sharing it.
And, thank you for reading World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I’m motivated to call my babcia in Poland right now!
Darla, my Polish American friend,
I hope you call her and make her day! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Margarita,
Thank you! I’m glad you liked the article.
And, by the way, I’m a big fan of yoga, too! Thank you for checking in from the Philippines, and if you happen to know any mothers in the Philippines who may be interested in writing for us, please send them to our site! http://www.worldmomsblog.com We are looking to expand our global reaches and tell more stories from mothers around the world! They can also e-mail worldmomsblog@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Beautiful, beautiful post. I enjoyed reading about your grand mother. she looks beautiful in that photo. We all get so wrapped up in our own lives, I do not keep in contact with my relatives (especially elderly ones) as much as I should. This made me think, and made me feel guilty. Thank you. I needed it.
Say it in a song,
Thank you so much! I hope that I have inspired you to get in touch with your relatives. It makes me so happy when people get together, especially family. 🙂
My parents set good examples. A friend of my father’s died and his elderly mother was all alone save for her adult grandson. My dad visited her, Mrs. Chesney, every Sunday morning and brought her breakfast. She and her grandson spent every holiday with us that we spent at home. She became a part of our family for many years before she passed.
I guess that it shows that we learn from the behavior that is fashioned in front of us as we grow up. More reason for me to do good things for people and have my daughter be a part of it.
Thank you for reading, and I’m glad you appreciated the article. Maybe you can pick a good song that fits the mood?
Veronica Samuels
Heather,
Thank you! I see you write about travel – be sure to check back here at World Moms Blog the next two Fridays, as we’ll be posting our writers’ answers to “Where was your best vacation with kids?” Our writers were so enthusiastic to respond, our post got too long (as you can relate to, too!), and I’ve split them up to cover the next two Fridays. They had some really neat responses of travel destinations from around the globe!
It looks like you’ve been to a lot of amazing places, too! 🙂 Thank you for reading!
Veronica Samuels
Great perspective. Some people don’t even realize what’s important but, as you say, even when you do realize it’s not often convenient to put things in proper order. Great job.
Thank you! Sometimes it’s difficult to see the obvious before it’s too late, or should I say, what later become obvious. I guess my mantra is to take moments out of your life to stop and evaluate. It’s the stopping and evaluating that I need to do more of!
“Finding Meaning in Life’s Absurdities” — your blog is sooo up my husband’s alley. I will get him to check it out!
Thank you for reading! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Thank you SO much for writing this. I’ve recently made a pact to call my parents and grandmother more. It’s so true that they have been through so much, so many very real problems, and yet they still make time to call US. To less excuses!
T
http://stopbeingaloser.org
Stop Being a Loser,
I’m laughing because I don’t think I’ve ever addressed anyone as that! he he! Thank you so much for reading. To less excuses!
Now I’m on my way out to…”Party like it’s 1920 and Vote”, as in your article. 😉
Veronica Samuels
What a beautiful tribute to your Grandmother and your family! In these busy times, we all struggle with time management, but you really focused on what is important – family. Thank you for the reminder of how precious each little moment shared with loved ones can be.
Vicki,
Thank you. It melts my heart that many grandparents are being called, visited and remembered today just because of some strokes of my keyboard. My own grandmother is beaming today, and for that, I feel so proud! 🙂
Thank you for reading, and I hope you will continue to read World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
What a great story and a reminder that even when we think life if tough, many, many people have or have had it tougher. A great perspective. Thank you for sharing your grandmother’s story.
A. Roselyn,
Thank you! I look forward to the post of your article on World Moms Blog tomorrow about raising your daughters on the west coast of the US! 🙂 I hope everyone will look out for it, and continue to follow our blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I absolutely love this! What a treasure your grandmother is!! As they say, “the apple does not fall far from the tree” totally applies here. You are a wonderful granddaughter as well. This was so touching. I can’t say enough about it.
Jen,
Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m glad I hit a cord with you. I was a basket case writing it, and every time I returned back to the article to edit it. I guess that’s a good indication of an emotive article!
Thanks for reading, and I hope you will continue to follow World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
What a brilliant post, and good for you for taking the moment to gain perspective. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own life difficulties. Sounds like your Grandmother had an interesting life!
Perfect Perfection,
And, thank you to you for taking the time to read and comment on my article!
My grandmother had an interesting life. What gets me is that she’s in her 90’s, and yet she reads and keeps up to date on everything that’s going on in the world. She wants me to teach her some French, too. I hope when I’m her age that I will still have the same passion for learning!
Thanks for reading! 🙂 (And, interesting article about the rally.)
Veronica Samuels
Great perspective! Cherish your moments with her. I miss my grandmother more than I can say.
Zerohundred,
Thank you for reading! Seeing her picture on WordPress made her day today. 🙂 I will definitely cherish my moments with her!
Interesting blog on Asian music! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Congrats on your FP status!
Wow…I can so relate to your story. My Dad came from Ellis Island Polish immigrants and also lived in Brooklyn, and I became a nurse at my Mom’s urging (her Italian Dad always wanted a nurse in the family)
I still marvel at the strength of the WW II generation–and yes, when I find myself complaining, I just think what a whimp I am!
I could elaborate about my hardships, but there is always someone else that has things a bit harder than you (and some a lot harder)
Thanks so much for sharing your story!
Sister Earth Organics,
I’m so glad you could relate personally like that to the article! Very cool!
And, congratulations on staying cancer-free. This link to your site is invaluable for all world moms and women!
http://sisterearthorganics.wordpress.com/how-to-do-a-self-breast-exam/
Thank you for reading! 🙂 And, I hope you will check in with World Moms Blog again!
Veronica Samuels
What a sweet post about your grandmother! My grandmother is in her mid 80s, and lives in Florida in a retirement village. She hates socializing, and refuses to leave her house unless absolutely nesessary. I love her to death, but I sometimes hate her way of life. My grandpa died from cancer about 30 years ago, and ever since she’s been lonely. I love her, and have often tried to learn more of her history and her parents’ history so I can write a biography of their lives, but she refuses to tell anyone any details about anything. This was a wonderful tribute to your own grandma, but I doubt I’ll ever be able to write something as detailed as this. Congrats on getting Freshly Pressed!
Sunflowerdiva,
Thank you! I’m sorry to hear that your grandmother is living her life that way. It’s difficult when people get older, depression, aches and pains. But, there’s one very important thing you can learn from her. If you ever find yourself falling into the same pit when you grow older, remember how important it is to others to still be a part of “life”!
Good luck with your novel, by the way! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Wow! I love your story about your Grandmother and her family & you (Veronica).. It is very touching. I am tracking down my families roots. It is nice to have some one to tell you about your family.. Researching it is not the same as hearing it from family member………Anne
Anne,
Thank you for the kind words! I hope you have great luck finding your family’s roots. 🙂 It is so great that you are on that journey.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you will check back in with World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Ddaloia,
Thank you! I think if I moved in with my in-laws that I would drive them more crazy than they would drive me crazy, so I am grateful that isn’t our situation! lol!
That is a great idea to document your mother’s stories for a keepsake. Your future generations will really appreciate it, I’m sure!
I hope the band enjoys their trip to Radio City for the Christmas Spectacular this month! We are taking my daughter for the first time this year, and I am so looking forward to it!!
Thanks for reading, and I hope you will visit us again at World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I love it! My grandmother was a rock star until the day she died and I can only hope I can be half as awesome when I reach my eighties.
Me Llamo Brown,
It sounds like your grandmother and you both have the same kind of spirit! I hope your Betty White dream comes true! 😉
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll check in again at World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
Loved the story. I noticed that the picture you posted of your grandmother has a striking resemblance to Drew Barrymore.
Sarah,
Thank you! I never thought of that — I will definitely let grandma know, and I’m sure she will be pleased! 🙂
Thank you for reading, and I hope you will check in with World Moms Blog again! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Wow… you’re so lucky to have such a wonderful grandma! I have two wonderful grandmas, but I only know one of them, since the other one had passed away before I was born. Thanks for sharing her story, I believe we can learn a lot from her. Please say ‘hi’ from Indonesia (from me) when you call her ^^
Santi.
Wongmutilan,
Thank you for reading from Indonesia! I will definitely let grandma know that you send her a hello and that you enjoyed her story.
And, if you happen to know any mothers in Indonesia who would be interesting in writing for World Moms Blog, please pass on our site, http://www.worldmomsblog.com and have them e-mail us at worldmomsblog@gmail.com
We are looking to expand our global reaches and to report more stories from mothers all around the globe! And, we’d love to add an Indonesian perspective!
Thank you for reading!
Veronica Samuels
That’s very touching, I hope you have a wonderful visit.
Song of Solomon,
Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for reading! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Wonderful post Veronica! I can understand how hard it is to get through the day (especially the part about hubby working long hours and you get to pick up extra chores!) …but I am also excited for you and your epiphany. Time is so precious, and since you can’t get it back, treasure every moment you can with your grandmother, daughter and soon-to-be #2. Although I know they watch over me, I wish my grandparents were physically here recounting their life stories and making family memories with their great grandchildren.
Eva,
That’s so sweet!! Thanks for relating and for the advice! 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading your article from Seattle, Washington when it posts on World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
God Bless your amazing grandmother! You’re extremely lucky to have her in your life 🙂
Heather,
Thank you! I see you write about travel – be sure to check back here at World Moms Blog the next two Fridays, as we’ll be posting our writers’ answers to “Where was your best vacation with kids?” Our writers were so enthusiastic to respond, our post got too long (as you can relate to, too!), and I’ve split them up to cover the next two Fridays. They had some really neat responses of travel destinations from around the globe!
It looks like you’ve been to a lot of amazing places, too! 🙂 Thank you for reading!
Veronica Samuels
I can feel your inside feeling about your grandma, everyone lead one life, enjoy it.Memory good or worse will be an experience for us to learn from it, just lead happy life everyday.
Global Lingerie,
That is a great attitude on life to have! Thank you for sharing it.
And, thank you for reading World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Good Post! You are lucky you still have your Grandma but of course sometimes it can seem a little too much with a child and being pregnant. Just do the best you can and don’t beat yourself up. This was a most wonderful tribute to HER! CONGRATS to ALL OF YOU!! Take care!!Thanks for sharing and Grandma was sure a beauty!!
evelyngarone.com
Evie,
Thank you. I do what I can, but try to remind myself that on somedays I can reach just a little bit more! Thanks for your kind words!
Good luck with your books, and I hope you will come and visit us again at World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
What a beautiful story! 🙂 I loved it!
Margarita,
Thank you! I’m glad you liked the article.
And, by the way, I’m a big fan of yoga, too! Thank you for checking in from the Philippines, and if you happen to know any mothers in the Philippines who may be interested in writing for us, please send them to our site! http://www.worldmomsblog.com We are looking to expand our global reaches and tell more stories from mothers around the world! They can also e-mail worldmomsblog@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Great story, makes me think about life. Thanks for sharing
http://autospirit.wordpress.com/
Andrew,
Thank you for reading, and I’m glad you found the article inspiring!
Nice cars, by the way! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I am a man living in Wales (U.K),I was born with Higher Function Autism and often find myself being unhappy with my life. I constantly ask my Heavenly Father(God), Why me etc.
However, after viewing the plight of your Grandmother, and indeed the workload your day requires of you I feel quite humbled. Thank you buckets for re-alligning my grip on reality.May our Never-Failing God bless you and her for all eternity.
Fnortonitec,
What a thoughtful post! It makes me happy that my writing can help make other people happy. You are welcome “buckets”! 🙂 And, thank you for writing in from Wales!
I remember a story once — I can’t remember where I heard or read it — about a man who had such a positive outlook on life. One time, he was rushed to the hospital because he got shot in the leg a few times. When asked by the paramedics if he had any allergies, he responded “Yes, to lead”.
Whether the story is true, or not, I like it. I could never imagine the fear and pain of being shot in the leg and having such a positive outlook on life that I could joke with the paramedics that I was allergic to bullets! That story has stuck with me.
It reminds me that when I’m feeling depressed about something or sorry for myself, I have a choice. I can remain and linger in that state, or I can choose to be happy by focusing on other things that make me happy. For me, it’s so much easier said than done, but I try my best. And, I try to tell my daughter — “You can make a choice now, choose to be happy, or choose to be sad. I hope you choose happy!” That is my struggle!
Thank you for reading World Moms Blog, and I hope you return. We will have some moms posting about raising their kids who have autism, and you can give a really good perspective on the situation. 🙂
Veronica Samuels
I am a man living in Wales (U.K),I was born with Higher Function Autism and often find myself being unhappy with my life. I constantly ask my Heavenly Father(God), Why me etc.
However, after viewing the plight of your Grandmother, and indeed the workload your day requires of you I feel quite humbled. Thank you buckets for re-alligning my grip on reality.May our Never-Failing God bless you and her for all eternity.
We get caught up in our daily lives and bogged down with our day to day activities – and feel totally overwhelmed by it. You know what – We still have it pretty good! You conveyed your grandmother’s story so well. She had quite a few challenges as a new wife and mother. Can you imagine moving into you husband’s home, with your in-laws?! Practically unheard of now. I sometimes think we have lost something vaulable from your grandmother’s generation. My grandmothers have passed. My parents are now 72 and in very good health. They just returned from a 3 month road trip to Alaska and back. I love to hear all the old stories. I have encouraged my mother to write some of her stories down, so they can be shared with future generations. She tells this wonderful story about how her family butchered a pig. My kids are in awe everytime she shares it. They just can’t imagine the process, and neither can I, for that matter.
Thank you for sharing – Best wishes to your family and new baby!
Deb
http://ddaloia.wordpress.com
Ddaloia,
Thank you! I think if I moved in with my in-laws that I would drive them more crazy than they would drive me crazy, so I am grateful that isn’t our situation! lol!
That is a great idea to document your mother’s stories for a keepsake. Your future generations will really appreciate it, I’m sure!
I hope the band enjoys their trip to Radio City for the Christmas Spectacular this month! We are taking my daughter for the first time this year, and I am so looking forward to it!!
Thanks for reading, and I hope you will visit us again at World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
The Little Thread of Thoughts,
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for reading!
Veronica Samuels
“It is what it is” is one of my boss’s favorite sayings, and one of my least favorite. Thanks for giving me a counter argument! The story of your grandmother’s life reminded me of an assignment I used to give my writing students–to compare their lives at age X with that of one of their parents at the same age. We need to constantly remind ourselves that maintaining connections with extended family is perhaps one of the most important things we do each day. Thanks so much for this post.
Eli,
That saying is almost the equivalent, in my opinion, of saying “I give up”. What a great idea for a writing assignment — it’s a real eye opener to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, as I’ve found out! I’m so glad that you enjoyed my post. 🙂
And, if you happen to have a particular fiction book that you think my book club would like, please let me know! I’ve usually got my nose in something nonfiction, so when they ask for suggestions, I come up empty! I see that you review a lot books on your blog, so thought that maybe you could help me!
Thank you for visiting World Moms Blog, and I hope you will visit us again! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
“It is what it is” is one of my boss’s favorite sayings, and one of my least favorite. Thanks for giving me a counter argument! The story of your grandmother’s life reminded me of an assignment I used to give my writing students–to compare their lives at age X with that of one of their parents at the same age. We need to constantly remind ourselves that maintaining connections with extended family is perhaps one of the most important things we do each day. Thanks so much for this post.
Eli,
That saying is almost the equivalent, in my opinion, of saying “I give up”. What a great idea for a writing assignment — it’s a real eye opener to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, as I’ve found out! I’m so glad that you enjoyed my post. 🙂
And, if you happen to have a particular fiction book that you think my book club would like, please let me know! I’ve usually got my nose in something nonfiction, so when they ask for suggestions, I come up empty! I see that you review a lot books on your blog, so thought that maybe you could help me!
Thank you for visiting World Moms Blog, and I hope you will visit us again! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Thank you for sharing, it reminds me I need to call my grandparents who are still living. My life seems to busy but in reality while my youngest is sleeping I can call them.
I appreciate the wake up call as well as to say my life isn’t as hectic as I think it is.
Anya,
It makes me so happy that so many grandparents are getting called on and remembered around the world today. I never imagined that the writing of this article would lead to that, and I am so grateful.
Thank you for reading, and please visit World Moms Blog again! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Thank you for sharing, it reminds me I need to call my grandparents who are still living. My life seems to busy but in reality while my youngest is sleeping I can call them.
I appreciate the wake up call as well as to say my life isn’t as hectic as I think it is.
Anya,
It makes me so happy that so many grandparents are getting called on and remembered around the world today. I never imagined that the writing of this article would lead to that, and I am so grateful.
Thank you for reading, and please visit World Moms Blog again! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Whoa…talk about tears in the eyes right now…
Pump Up Your Book,
I’m happy to hear that this piece moved you. 🙂 I think we’re keeping Kleenex in business!
Thank you for visiting World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Whoa…talk about tears in the eyes right now…
Pump Up Your Book,
I’m happy to hear that this piece moved you. 🙂 I think we’re keeping Kleenex in business!
Thank you for visiting World Moms Blog! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Very lovely post. I am sure your grandmother will be delighted to hear such kind and loving words about her life. It was a nice glispe into what people in that time actually went through. Puts a HUGE perspective on our own busy lives.
Hi Becksy,
My grandmother is thrilled! I am so happy for her. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
I enjoyed reading your “Treats”. Some of my treats would be the smell of lavender, the feel of sand beneath my feet and eating cocktail franks in blankets. I’m usually quite health conscience, but they are my achilles heel!!
I hope you will revisit World Moms Blog in the future! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
Very lovely post. I am sure your grandmother will be delighted to hear such kind and loving words about her life. It was a nice glispe into what people in that time actually went through. Puts a HUGE perspective on our own busy lives.
Hi Becksy,
My grandmother is thrilled! I am so happy for her. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
I enjoyed reading your “Treats”. Some of my treats would be the smell of lavender, the feel of sand beneath my feet and eating cocktail franks in blankets. I’m usually quite health conscience, but they are my achilles heel!!
I hope you will revisit World Moms Blog in the future! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
What a nice story . . . and hopefully you’ll be able to visit your grandmother many more times and listen to her . . . complain and spin tales of yesteryear . . .
Sitanbul,
Thank you! We’re looking forward to writing more stories down together for future generations. 🙂
Thank you for reading, and I hope you will come check in with us again at World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
I guess you should be on story corps and featured on the radio . . . a voice is so much more beguiling than mere words and sentences on a computer screen . . .
Thank you. Maybe one day… 🙂
What a nice story . . . and hopefully you’ll be able to visit your grandmother many more times and listen to her . . . complain and spin tales of yesteryear . . .
Sitanbul,
Thank you! We’re looking forward to writing more stories down together for future generations. 🙂
Thank you for reading, and I hope you will come check in with us again at World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
I guess you should be on story corps and featured on the radio . . . a voice is so much more beguiling than mere words and sentences on a computer screen . . .
Thank you. Maybe one day… 🙂
A heartwarming tribute !! Memories of the days of our grandparents and parents and happenings like these make us move on with our lives, no matter how messed up it may seem to be. Hope you have many more cherished moments with your grandmother.
The Little Thread of Thoughts,
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for reading!
Veronica Samuels
So beautiful!! Seems that you come from a long line of amazing women! 😀
Maggie,
Thank you for your very thoughtful comment! I will try my hardest to raise my girls to be amazing women like their great-grandma! 🙂
Veronica Samuels
So beautiful!! Seems that you come from a long line of amazing women! 😀
I enjoyed your story. My Baba (grandmother) was my greatest influence and memories of her continue to guide my thoughts and my writings still. I drift back while blogging visiting memories of her. Like your piece here, I have written her history, some twenty years ago… you inspire me to search for the hard copy. Thank you.
Aligaeta,
Thank you for the kind words! I hope you can reconnect with the story you’ve written about your grandmother 20 years ago. 🙂 I love to hear that she is still guiding your thoughts and writings!
I hope you will come back and visit it us again on World Moms Blog!
Veronica Samuels
I enjoyed your story. My Baba (grandmother) was my greatest influence and memories of her continue to guide my thoughts and my writings still. I drift back while blogging visiting memories of her. Like your piece here, I have written her history, some twenty years ago… you inspire me to search for the hard copy. Thank you.
Grandparents are special. Day to day we take them for granted. But, you will miss your grandmother when she is gone. Try to give your daughter as many memories of your grandmother as you can!
In this day and age we are so spoiled. Our grandparents did twice or thrice the hard work we do in a day and still had to come home and make dinner and help the little ones with their homework.
I am still reaping the benefits of the hard work my grandparents did to support my mother with a house and an education.
I hope you call your grandmother and see her often. Commit those old stories to memory.
(I miss my grandma and will always cherish her memory.)
Travelingmad,
Thanks for reading my article! I agree with you, grandparents are special. 🙂 We will continue to make memories while we can!
I hope you will visit us again on World Moms Blog.
Veronica Samuels
Grandparents are special. Day to day we take them for granted. But, you will miss your grandmother when she is gone. Try to give your daughter as many memories of your grandmother as you can!
In this day and age we are so spoiled. Our grandparents did twice or thrice the hard work we do in a day and still had to come home and make dinner and help the little ones with their homework.
I am still reaping the benefits of the hard work my grandparents did to support my mother with a house and an education.
I hope you call your grandmother and see her often. Commit those old stories to memory.
(I miss my grandma and will always cherish her memory.)
Travelingmad,
Thanks for reading my article! I agree with you, grandparents are special. 🙂 We will continue to make memories while we can!
I hope you will visit us again on World Moms Blog.
Veronica Samuels
What a beautiful post!
Miguel,
Thank you for your comment and thank you for reading my post! 🙂
Veronica Samuels