When I was a teenager my shoulders were slumped over because I was embarrassed by my rapidly expanding chest, she'd constantly admonish me with "Wings back, chest out!" (Me: internal "What part of I don't want to stick my chest out don't you understand?") She'd also make me walk up and down the redwood deck at the back of our house with a book on my head to try and improve my posture. Picture this young Deadhead with bad body image and even worse self-esteem, being drilled on posture by her regal grandmother (who'd been dubbed "The Duchess" by her younger sister when they were kids).
My father died last November, after a long struggle with Alzheimers, and I'm still coming to terms with the grief and recognizing, every day, how he influenced the woman I am today. Last night Mom posted some of Grandma's words of wisdom, and I recognized as will anyone who has read my books and my political opinion columns, how much my life is a reflection and continuation of her legacy, as well as Dad's.
"If you have a good thought, share it. You never know when it will take wings"
When asked How do you accomplish so much she replied " by inspiration and perspiration"
Where does inspiration come from? "That's a great question! " (I would probably say, "Damned if I know!" I guess I got the language from Dad...)
"We are all part of one humanity. there is no pure group . We are all mixed up through commerce and conquest through the ages"
"How can we trace the influence of one group upon the other...through the arts! through music!, through dance, through theatre, and literature""
"Be grateful for your blessings! I am!"
"You can change the world ...First in your own circle, Your community, then reach out to the world!"
Grandma could be challenging at times. Despite her open minded views about some things, she had less open minded views about others - like the time she saw me drinking beer from a bottle. I'm not sure which transgression upset her more - that I was drinking BEER or that I was drinking it OUT OF A BOTTLE. The Horror...The Horror...
But today - and every day - I try to honor her memory by the way I live my life.
