A Grandmother’s Love
Growing up, our house phone rang a lot. It was my grandmother calling to chat with my mom or me. Sometimes, she’d call to remind us to tune the TV to the right channel so we could watch the same show and discuss it over tea the next day during our daily visit. Other times, she’d call to give us news, but most of the time, she’d call simply to ask how we were.
At my grandmother’s house, the phone rang even more often — about once every half hour. Her daughters and granddaughters were always calling her. She had the answer to every question. She knew all the tricks for keeping a house spotless and for perfect laundry. Nobody’s whites ever came out as immaculate and bright as hers. She knew countless recipes by heart, giving us a list of ingredients and a step-by-step guide on how to cook something, only to end with: “You know what? Why don’t you come over for dinner, I’ll make it for you myself.” Her knowledge of home remedies was enviable whether it was for cold sores, pimples, itches or any other ailment. We all relied on her practical advice and warm smile that came with it.
The closeness we shared, our daily tea visits, our endless phone calls — these were not just family routines, they were part of a cultural framework that places love, care and connection at the centre of everything.
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Generational differences might make granddaughters and grandmothers feel like they’re worlds apart, but an unwavering bond withstands. As granddaughters, we look up to our grandmothers with admiration and gratitude. From the depths of our inexperience and youth, we strive to understand what it takes to be strong enough to place others’ happiness above our own, and how much love is needed to be the guiding light during stormy nights. In turn, grandmothers dream of us making the right choices and becoming strong, independent women who will one day build fulfilling careers and meaningful relationships.
Grandmothers stand tall knowing much of what they do will be felt by their granddaughters. We learn from them without asking to be taught, and we speak without realizing how much we need to be heard. They kiss us on the forehead and send us off to explore the world, knowing that no matter how far we go or how long we’re away, they’ll be rooting for us from the sidelines, cheering our victories all the way to the finish line. And this despite their own pain and weariness to show us that women can realize their wildest dreams and that love is the most powerful force in the universe.
TEXT BY MARTINA BOI