"That goes for you too!" she said after a comment to my sister.  "You marry someone rich and handsome.  Don't forget that.  That's important."  I visited with my 92 year old grandmother today. She is attempting to impart as many words of wisdom as possible before her unfortunate, but quickly approaching, death.  I laughed that this was the wisdom that she chose to impart. She was joking, but only somewhat.

My grandmother is many things.  Beautiful, classy, frugal, educated, independent, incredibly intelligent, a pioneer.  She was a science teacher when women were not pursuing careers, let alone careers in science.  Female science teachers are hard to come by even today.  My grandmother is all of these things, but one thing she is not is delicate. My grandmother says what she means.  She does not mince words.  She does not ponder the consequences of these words.  She does not fear what people will think of her if she asks for things or requests that her needs be met.  She expects greatness out of all with whom she interacts and thus brings out the best in those people. She is a force to be reckoned with.

 These characteristics of strength  are why I admire her.  I want to be her.  She is my idol because she is fearless. I strive to live a fearless life without the hindrances of embarrassment, or fear, or low self-esteem.  Being kind, and thoughtful, but not stifled. These are the lessons my grandmother learned from her mother. These are lessons I have learned from her, and from my mother, who also learned from her.  These are lessons I will someday teach my daughters.

And so it goes.  Generations of women. [Marrying rich and handsome men.]  Forces to with whom be reckoned.

Keep on thinking,

Josie