How we see ourselves as we move into our elder years: The Grandmothers

With the children of our children, our own lives expand, as do our hearts. As we reach out to those tiny hands, embrace the small frames; we experience anew everything in all its freshness through loving and curious eyes. We can’t but want the world to become a better place for them to grow into.

Abby Arquero, Cochiti Pueblo, has nine grandchildren under nine years of age. I asked her about her role as Grandma. “Unconditional love,” she says, “and it is seeing everything from a different perspective.” I’m an honorary Grandma to hers as she is to mine. Those little ones are all joy! To think of her Grandchildren and my own, images of hugs come to mind.

My friend Patty Morris, just became a Grandmother last week. A tiny new one takes a place in the next generation. Can we not but think of the passages in the fabric of the life of our families. Victoria Scott said shortly before the birth of her first grandchild, “…and life will never be the same…” In truth, after they come into the world the redefine our lives with their precious presence.

We cannot but celebrate this.

The dearth of imagery in western culture of this important stage of our lives reflects the lack of respect for woman in their later years. The emphasis on youth and materialism degrades the authority of senior femininity. In truth we are at our most intelligent and influential. We have time, wisdom, identity, leadership; the strength of the love that comes with age that provides positive power in the family and community. And there are a lot of us in this generation.

Check out my Grandma series of images at Truesdaleart.com and add to the discussion….