Saturday, January 31

It's all relative, isn't it?


If what happened last Sunday, had happened many years ago, say 25 years ago, before my daughter was born, or before I was born, I'd probably think of it as a personal tragedy. But it didn't happy many years ago, it happened on Sunday, January 25th, a most fitting day for a woman whose 94 years on this earth was lived piously and devoted to family, church and community. My maternal grandmother, who lived more than two decades after my grandfather died, departed this earth quietly, peacefully and with the full knowledge that she was loved deeply. She always loved Sundays for it was the day that she didn't mind spending in church--all day in church! Grandma spent her life executing her beliefs.

I am among the privileged who lived with my grandparents during some formative years of my life. She is the last of the four grandparents I was fortunate to know fully.  My many conversations with her and my unconditional devotion, respect and love for this woman, make this a poignant occasion; but it is not paralyzingly sad like I used to think it would be whenever I thought of her dying when I was young.  

Today is the celebration of  her humble, long life. I will remember her stories about growing up at a time when opportunities were denied people and women like her. She was a fabulous arm-chair historian who would tell me, "I didn't read this in a book, I lived it."  I remember when I was young and she made me come in the house, right in the middle of a serious game of double dutch, to watch and listen to some preacher-man give an "important" and "historic" speech.  I was mad because this fouled up my jump rope game.  Today, it is only because of her that I now can say I saw Martin Luther King deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech on television.  In hindsight, I recall how I settled down and enjoyed getting swept up in the collective euphoria and energy of my relatives who cheered and commented on the speech in all the right places.   

I will always remember that she smiled and her eyes brightened when I told her, four years ago, that I had a motorcycle.  She never distrusted my judgment. Her passing was inevitable and as she used to say, "it happens to the best of us and to the worst of us."  It is indeed a celebration. 

I am blessed and fortunate to have had her in my life.  The way I see it, I will ride this, and all the seasons to come with another angel to accompany me and hep light the way. 

10 comments:

D. Brent Miller said...

Sharon,

Our prayers go out to you and your family.

Brent & Lin

Unknown said...

May the thoughts and memories of your grandparents continue to bless you. Your post gives me hope that having to temporarily raise my granddaughters will forever bring a bond that will last their lifetime.

Jeffry

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Sharon:

Your Grandmother's legacy lies within the stories, the insight, the beliefs, and the values she so carefully passed on to you. And I can't think of a more appropriate guardian to relate each of those to your own children, and to others, who can appreciate the significance of what your Grandmother lived through, stood for, and made happen.

While it may be of some comfort to say that I will think of her in my prayers, it is more a comfort to me to know that your Grandmother has been praying for me -- for years.

Sincerely,
Jack Riepe

Aldi said...

Hello Jesse...
I see Your Blog, and I think your post was so good. I like to read your article and photos, it's nicely. I wanna exchange My Link to You, have Your Link in My Motorcycle Relevant Links in My Blog. I hope You do same My Brother. Thank You before.

Hot Biker

roman said...

Sharon, I was saddened to hear of your loss. My prayers go out to you, too.

I'm sure that a lot of other people on the F800riders would like to hear from you and know how you're doing.

roman

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Brent, Thanks to you and Lin! Regards.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Jeffry, you will one day know, I hope, from your grandchildren, how much being there for them means to them. I was best friends when my maternal grandparents. I loved them like no other. I also lived with paternal grandparents for a spell and valued that time with two other great people. There is something special that happens to one when they are touched by their grandparents in this way. I've talked to many people "raised" by caring grands. There is something about love sent across the next generation. Blessings to you and your wife!

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Jack, your words are comforting and as always, wise. Thank you so much! Looking forward to reconnecting soon.

Your friend,

Sharon

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Thanks Rie21. Good luck with your blog.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

roman, greetings!

Thank you for thinking of me and dropping by. I do plan to connect with the forum soon. I've thought of it often but found the idea tough when the only news I had to share was rather dark.

But things are looking up. And, I'm so looking forward to the coming ride season. Take care.