I am Who I am Who I am
There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe my love for this woman nor the loss I feel in the wake of her passing. Gram was the definition of elegance while existing completely void of arrogance or opulence. I've journaled paragraphs about this precious matriarch, but I'll keep this list of learnings short and simple – she'd suggest that:
Never leave home without your lipstick. You never know who you'll run into!
Family. First.
Quality over quantity, in all things, always.
Offering compassion and acceptance is far more productive than judgement or holding grudges. Let it go.
The hemline of your pants and skirts really should be altered to your body; don't be afraid of a little customization, even if you do it more than once over the years.
Be kind. And hold your boundaries. All of the answers to “how should I respond?” are in how something lands with you – listen to that.
There is peace, beauty and expansion in “No, thank you.”
Great jewelry is a way of life. So are beautiful cars.
Flowers enrich the home and the heart.
It's okay to cry – in fact, cry often!
Embody graciousness and you will be grace-full.
When someone pays you a compliment, say “thank you.”
I can still feel her tiny, soft hands in mind. I can still see her mouthing “I love you, too” because when we added voice, we'd cry.There are so many lessons. So much wisdom that has been passed down. It feels trite to create a list.
But the number one thing that she imparted in me is this:
I Am Who I Am Who I Am.
To know myself and operate from a place of love, acceptance and genuine grace (not fluff or frill.) For as feminine and fine-mannered as she was, she knew herself deeply and did not cross the boundaries she had in place for herself. She made decisions based on what suited her and stuck to those decisions with love. You couldn’t help but honor her desires because they were all straight from the heart. I am still at a loss for words and sentiments but I know that she will continue to impart wisdom upon me for the rest of my life.
