I suspect that my next big role in life will be grandmother, and I'm already practicing for that role. Throughout my life I've had many "grandmothers". In a sense, as the word suggests, these women were grand-mothers, wonderful women who welcomed me into their homes and traditions--teachers and nurturers that have impacted my life with care.
The song at the top of the page was a song written by Lydia Maria Child, a famous writer and abolitionists that lived in the town where I teach. As I listen to the song's words, I am reminded of the landscape she writes about--landscapes that are still visible, in part, in eastern Massachusetts. I am also reminded of the trips we have taken to grandmother's house to celebrate the holidays and what that means to me in my life past, present, and into the future.
As I write about often, what's most important is that we have a welcoming home--a house where there's ample good food, refreshing drinks, good cheer, and warm, welcoming spaces for family members young and old. There's also the need for special positive attention for each and every visitor including the newly engaged, college graduates, new babies, those facing challenges, and more. Everyone is welcome and everyone is noticed.
For the holidays, we'll make sure we have festive decorations, a small gift for each guest, good food, clean spaces, and warmth. As a grandmother, I want to be one that has that welcoming home, time to care for those I love, presence, and unconditional care. I want those I love to desire to visit with the same zest and cheer that the song above suggests.