Within the past six years, I have truly gotten to know my grandmother. She is probably the most stubborn women I have met- refusing to rest while she is sick because she isn't "an invalid." She is also the strongest woman- overcoming more tragedy and heartbreak in her seventy-nine years of life. She raised her three daughters alone while her alcoholic husband drank himself into a deeper grave. Two out of her three daughters turned to reckless substances to mask their sadness- my grandmother left behind, mourning their lost identities. As a result of their actions, she had to raise two of her granddaughters for the next nine years. Years later, my grandmother lost a piece of herself with the tragic death of her daughter, Valerie, and also my mother. My entire family was afraid my grandmothers life would come to a sudden halt as well, and for a while the life within her did reach a dead end- but today she continues to praise her life and all it stands for.
I know it may be strange, but I appreciate my grandmother so much more because she is an elderly woman, with her own history and story. Those who are older are too often seen as a walking death sentence. The elderly are too often viewed as "old" or "ancient." I have been inspired by my grandmother to not only share her story, but also the stories of so many other elderly men and women who don't have a voice. It is important to be reminded that they, too, were young once, as we are now. It is important to remember that most of us will be part of that older community one day- sharing our stories to the next generations. It is important to know that we will one day become what many of us fear the most- old. Along with many of you, I am terrified of old age. Not only will our young complexions fade, but our bodies will begin to turn on us, and often times, our minds. But what I find comforting is that no one can take the story of my life away. We will only lose our stories if they are never told and completely forgotten, so why not read and share the stories of those who are older now? With this blog, I plan to keep the stories of older generations alive, even when they are long gone. With their stories, I hope to help you, and myself, find the beauty in growing old. The main question we should all think about is: Why is living a long life and becoming old so unsettling?
Beautiful description of the "story" behind this blog Maddy. It is such a unique idea to write, read and talk about - the voices of the elderly members of our community. You aptly point out the fact that they too were once a member of the younger generation, you highlight the value their stories hold, and you speak to your reader's fears about old age as well. You have a clear passion for this topic, it is something that inspired you and your voice is therefore quite evident here already - which is wonderful. I would encourage you to look at all aspects of old age as well, form the psychological impact of aging, to culturally different perspectives on old age, to the changes in life expectancy. I greatly look forward to reading what you have to say. (Don't forget to add your "About Me" section.
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