Strong Women

This past weekend I attended a visitation for an old man that was not only a neighbor where I grew up, but also part of the family somewhere in there. Cousin, I think? The visitation brought many older folks from the old community and several of my own aunts, uncles and cousins, two and three times down the line. I hate having to attend these events because, well, it's all about death and mourning...but, I love seeing family and my brother is always sure to entertain me during the process. (But that's all whole other blog. lol!) So, afterwards, my family decided to go to the local restaurant. My 2 aunts came along and the aunt that I feel closest to sat next to me and talked to me the whole time we were there. She loves to talk! She especially loves to talk about the old days and growing up in the little community that we were all a part of. An old coal town that was dirt poor but full of rich culture & families. The stories that I've heard over and over from her and my mom, my other aunt and uncles never get old. Their full of comedy and love and sometimes absurd but never boring. But this time as I sat there and listened to her tell me the same few stories about my great, great grandmothers and aunts, I had a distinct realization. For the first time, I thought to myself "I am so proud to be a part of the heritage of women in my family". And I thought about how strong and beautiful my aunt has always been and as she's talking to me, her eyes are sparkling and she's fully animated speaking about "aunt hazel" and "mamaw". And I thought about my own mother and how beautiful i think she is and how she and her sisters were raised. The real struggles they had and what they have overcome. The families that they've built on nothing but love and determination. I thought about how it was the women before them that instilled all these wonderful attributes in them. Not only them, but the women on my Dad's side too. Beautiful women who remain especially influential to me today. Both of my grandmothers were incredible women. Two totally different people raised in totally different circumstances, neither being ideal situations to say the least. Yet, they both persisted & overcame and were deeply loved and respected by their families. They raised the same. And that doesn't even count the extended family of aunts and cousins that I am privileged to call kin. They all inspire me. A common thread runs through us all and I can only express my gratitude to be counted among them. I have truly had the best of both worlds coming from both of my parents. I am encouraged knowing that my grandmothers and aunts and cousins who have passed on are cheering for me in Heaven, saying "There's our girl! We know she can do this! She came from good stock!" And, that's gonna be me one day. But while I'm here, I am going to make every effort to pass along the love and to instill the same integrity, purpose and beauty in my own family. So, girls, if you're reading this, your aunt has your back. I will never give up on you and I will always love you. You can always call, text or come and sit awhile and we will sip our sweet teas and shoot the breeze. And hopefully I can remember our rich history of strong women so I can pass along the stories.