Tuesday, January 17, 2006

  • I know so many people who don't have a clue what they want to do with their lives - my brother, the uncle I'm talking with right now, Xangans.  These people are always itching for something more.  Yeah, fine - it's the human condition.  I feel it, too. 

    But then I read the accounts of people who are happy, content, thrilled with the sublime small things of life.  And so I wrote another chink in my family's memoir, or at least the kernel of it, and, as usual, it began as a comment on someone else's blog....

    My grandmother didn't start getting old until she turned 60 and her body began slowly turning against her.  Even now at 70, back surgery on the horizon, she's one of the most content people I know.  She grew up in the Depression, lost her mother at an early age, and had to fight tooth and nail through school.  She had wonderful grades, but the college scholarship was given to a girl who came from a rich family.  She went to the priest and asked why.  He said something about God knowning she could handle it.  And so she lived on cheap black coffee and worked her way through college.  She met an Air Force man and they made ends meet without too much difficulty.  They raised four happy children who live(d) well-adjusted lives.  She still works - still teaches, is a docent at the Fine Arts Center.  She volunteers here and there, and her husband is still involved in Boy Scouts and is the most knowledgeable person in the state (at least) on flags.  Grandma always buys the car she wants, but she keeps it for ten or more years.  She saves her money and then travels wherever she wants.  She buys comfortable shoes and good presents, but for her, it's only the things she really needs and then the few things she really wants.  Not wealthy - but happy and fulfilling her dreams. 

    Because she had to work for them.

Comments (23)

  • doveAd
    Hello. What do you think beauty is? A Super Bowl ad wants to start that discussion/debate.
  • Zeal4living

    Blessed is the person who seek happiness and always find it where s/he is?
  • TheBigShowAtUD
    Well good for her... that's the life, right there. Indeed.
  • bow_to_the_reverend

    Everyone I know that grew up in the Depression turned out as amazing people. My grandparents are like that.
  • island_mama
    Thanks, my friend. I needed to read something like that right now.
  • queenoscots
    RYC on my blog:  hahahahahahahahaha! ; )
  • RachelsMommy
    It's not having what you want; It's wanting what you have.
    (That's me paraphrasing (I think) Sheryl Crow)
  • brendaclews
    She sounds so beautiful... a life of simplicity we could all learn from. xo
  • VaporousVenom
    I think that's how it should be. The generation your Grandmother comes from, most of them had to work for what they wanted. I think it would make a person more appreciative of things..but in life its more people who matter than things, however money is needed for living. I am sorry your Grandmother is having back problems, she sounds strong and brave. I hope she will do fine.
    I would love to travel.

    You know, I know so many people like you speak of who don't know what they want from live and seem to unconcerned to a point. I cannot talk as I was lost for awhile... married and did the houseiwfe, mother thing, and thats  honorable, but one day you think, who am I? What could or should I have done differently?
    Then you hope its not too late to do what it is that calls you.

    Take care,

    Peace and Love:)

    RYC: It makes me happy to know you appreciate music of my generation. I was surprised to see how many younger people like the music from then..The ones I know here detest it.Even my own daughter wo has heard it all her life and who heard it while in my womb as I was always listening to music and singing. I am happy to know some still can appreicate it.I love todays music too, not saying anything bad about it. I will hush now about music.
  • princesslestat

    I hate how rich kids get the scholarships. ; )  Your G'ma sounds like an awesome woman, just like her granddaughter.
  • rabookie

    She sounds strong and wise. I agree with you that working for your dreams is ultimately satisfying. It's too often that people squander the little joys always in search of a winning lotto ball, a hit song, or asome other uber-rich fantasy. Living shouldn't be what youdo while waiting for better stuff to happen eh?

    I hit the link and that is the second time that page has come up from a friend. I may just have to look into this! Thank you for the tip!

  • pina_la_nina
    I loved this - I love having comment spaces be about actual thought and discussion - so always feel free to spin out your thoughts there. :) She does sound like an incredible role model - one to really inspire. We need more examples of contentment in our lives I think.
  • EminemsRevenge
    Grandma sounds like she would actually be able to read my book without having to use the glossary
  • twoberry
    Your granny had the right idea.
  • bow_to_the_reverend
    You can't beat cookies, you can only eat them.
  • SeriouslyKristen

    Thanks for sharing her life with us.

    RYC-Same here. I'm having a hard time reconciling what most Christians believe about it with my experience and understanding of the Bible.
  • aliashope
    All your grandmas seem amazing from what you've told me over the years about them. I hope I can look back on my life and be satisfied. Feb 17-19 is open. You are always welcome in our home! If you do come up, we'll be super excited to have you!!!!
  • mezito
    that was a really inspiring post, it does kindof hit me in the gut with my understanding of more equals happiness sometimes. i'm glad that there are people in our lives that show us something better.
  • goodthingscometothosewhowait
    Check out this blog… http://www.xanga.com/brokenpiecesoflife

     

    Post a comment.
  • EminemsRevenge
    You wouldn't want to be my editor...i'm maniacal  THAT is one of the reasons people would only have me do two or three cuts in the studio
  • BrokenPiecesOfLife
    amen for your grandmother.......and I didn't say its hopeless.....I said its hopless UNLESS....and yes...it does take the examples of people like those and it is going to take a lot of hard work from this generation that we represent in order to make ANYTHING happen
  • insane_violist
    The sad thing is that I know very few people who I can actually say are content with what they have and where they are in life. My goal is to have that contentment before I get older. Your grandmother sounds like an amazing lady.

    RYC: The boy in the picture is my youngest, aka Bubba. Thanks for the comment. Have a blessed day!
  • jerjonji
    your gandmother is soooo right! learning to be content w/everything God has given you is the secret to happiness. i can be there sometimes... and other times... i'm soooo far away! :)

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