Grandma

She measured only five foot tall, With her stooped shoulders, even shorter. Towered over by her strapping son, My mother and each other daughter. Grandma came from sturdy stock. On her own strength, she relied To raise her five young children, After my grandpa died. Mother was only six years old, She could barely remember when Her daddy died of consumption. That’s what they called it then. There was no such thing as welfare, So Grandma was left alone, To find a way that she could raise Her family on her own. Opportunities for women Before the First World War Were almost non-existent. The wolf was at their door. So my grandma took in washing, Ironing and clothes to mend. The enormity of her labors, I can’t even comprehend. I have pictures of her and her family, All so neatly dressed In crisp white dresses and starched shirt, Attired in their Sunday best. Did her children know her sacrifice, How this woman had to strive To see they were fed and sheltered, And to keep them all alive? My memories of my grandma, Are when she was old and alone. She was frail and ill but managed To face life on her own. She had her little garden, And planted by the moon. She bragged that no one in the town Was eating fresh peas so soon. I never heard her grumble About her difficult life Or that she had been a widow Much longer than a wife. My grandma had the steely will, That has made this nation grow. Without her kind, we wouldn’t have The ease that we now know. So when ever the days are rainy And I’m feeling sorry for myself, I start to remember Grandma, Take her album from the shelf. Surrounded by life’s luxuries Of the kind she never knew, I wonder at my grandma, And the way she battled through. She barely knew of radio, And would have been enchanted With television and its wonders, Which we take so much for granted. Grandma was a true pioneer. Her road was long and rough. Her granddaughter should be ashamed. To claim she has it tough. I salute you Grandma and love you. I was proud to call you Gram. And no one needs to tell me that You were of sterner stuff than I am. Debbie: Perhaps we could have another category such as "Provider" .