I come from…

Today, I’m linking up with Harley & Jane to participate in their journal prompt series.

…a family of strong women.

My paternal great grandmother lived a very modest life. No matter how little money she had, she would give it away if someone needed it. Always.

I never met my paternal grandmother. She raised three children and was diagnosed with Leukemia in her early 40s. She battled the wretched disease as it slowly stole her strength. Even though my dad was 21 when she died, he still tells stories about her. He cries when he talks about his mama or when one of her favorite songs comes on the radio. She was a strong woman.

{My dad’s mother during the late 1950s.}

My maternal great great grandmother was tough. She raised six children and lived in the heart of the country. I’ve only ever heard her referred to as “Indian Grandma.”

My maternal great grandmother was a nurse and served during World War II. Her name was Alice, but she always went by “Grey.” My mom called her “Granny Grey” and I know they had a special bond. I hate that I never met the woman who meant so much to my mom.

{Granny Grey during WW II.}

Then there’s my mom. My mom taught public school for 30 years. That automatically gives her my respect. But, there’s so much more to her than being a strong teacher. She has always taught me that I’m strong too. When I had a problem she taught me to think it through to come up with a solution. She has taught me to take responsibility for my actions (and to accept the consequences). She has taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes and that I’d have plenty of them. But, I’d learn from them. She has taught me the importance of speaking scripture out loud. She has taught me to think for myself. She has taught me bucket loads of practical wisdom. She has loved me fiercely and has has always been there for me.

{She taught kindergarten the year this was taken.}

I’m proud to come from a family of strong women.