Why I Celebrate My Great Grandma On Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and as I think about all the women in my life that have influenced the kind of mother I am, my number one teacher is my great grandmother. One of my biggest regrets is not getting a chance to tell her what she meant to me. If I got the chance to do it all over again, this is what I would want her to know:
Mama you taught me what it is to be a strong woman and to do whatever it takes to provide for your family. I remember all the days you spent out in the field growing bananas and tending to the crops. You were well into your sixties before you gave up working the land. We never wanted for anything, because you always found a way to put food on the table.
Knowing that your blood coursed through my veins allowed me to be strong when I became pregnant at twenty-four. I didn’t know what I was going to do or how I was going to take care of a child. I wanted to wallow in self-pity, but I am a descendant of a warrior, and warriors don’t quit when they are tested.
You taught me how to stay calm when under pressure. I remember when I was seven years old and hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica with a fury. Trees were violently swaying in the wind and I waited to be swept away with all the debris that was swirling around. I was terrified, but I trusted you. You were calm, so I became calm.
Caroline you weren’t one to mince words and always seized the opportunity to protect your family. When you felt that something was unfair, you weren’t afraid to say so. You taught me to always do what’s right, even if it wasn’t popular.
As hard as life was for you Mama, not once did I ever hear you say you wanted this or that. You were always content with what you had. Your biggest concern was that your family had their needs met. You laundered our clothes in a river by hand. You grew the food we ate, and built whatever we owned. When most people your age would be retiring to live in a gated community, you found peace in watching tropical fish swim in a small tank.
I remember feeling pity for you as you spent hours watching the fish swim from one end of the tank to the next. You had given me so much and I wanted you to see the world instead of that damn fish tank. I remember asking you why you liked to watch the fish. You chuckled and simply said “they are pretty.”
Now I understand why you were content with the fish tank. You didn’t need material things to make you happy. The hard work you invested in us led to me being the first in our family to go to college. You found joy in practicing your faith, providing for your family, and being of good character. You lived the life you wanted and was content with watching fish swim because the seeds you sowed for our success were blossoming.
Mama, despite the years and distance that separated us, you have always been close to my heart. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me. Above all, thank you for showing me how to be the mother my children need.
Wow, your great grandma sounds amazing!!!! I have a feeling you could write a whole book about her…. I wanted to read more! Jamaica? Bananas? Washing clothes in the river…. Incredible!!!! I hope you have an amazing Mother’s Day!
What a beautiful tribute! She raised you well!
What a beautiful tribute! She sounds like a remarkable woman!
That was beautiful!
Thank you for sharing your Great Grandma with us! You are very blessed to have had such a beautiful woman to teach you so much.
A very nice and touching tribute. We all take our moms for granted and when we become moms we realize how naughty we were. I did the same with my mother and now that I am a mother I completely understand here now.
What an amazing tribute. Love this
What a beautiful tribute! I think it’s lovely that you took the time to share this.
Lovely tribute. That generation went through a lot, and this post reminds me so much of my gran.
Those old souls are the lifeblood of a family. Each are worthy of the tribute you gave. I miss my grandma every day. She had a lot of traits you mama had. 🙂
This is such an inspiring story. Thanks so much for sharing your Great Grandma with us!
what great memories you have!
I truly love this. Thank you for sharing your heart and your love for this amazing woman. And thank you for reminding us to tell our “other mamas” how we feel. My Grandma is the same to me, Thank you thank you thank you.
What a lovely post to your Great Grandmother. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
This is a wonderful tribute to your grandmother, and something tells me she is seeing this and smiling down on you. beautiful heartwarming post 🙂
This is so heartfelt and beautiful!
Beautiful post Yanique! Thank you for sharing (:
Wow, I’m crying a little. This is really beautiful..
This is so sweet and heartwarming. Now I’m missing my grandma. 🙂
What a beautiful way to honor your Grandmother on Mother’s Day. I think we forget them sometimes.
Beautiful tribute! And this is the best way to honor your grandmother!
Yanique!!! This hit home for me. I loved this post. (tear) As I read this I saw both my Granny and Great Granny. Thank you for sharing. I was beautiful!