Pat Taub
GUEST POST BY TONI KIEF
For this post Toni collected grandmother wisdom from friends that are grandmothers. They are among the pairs photographed below.
Dearest Granddaughters,
Because of you, we joined the community of Grandmothers. We would like to assure you that it’s all worthwhile. Watching you careen into adulthood pressing forward, we beg you to enjoy your youth. Dear ones, you are the best parts of us. Don’t wish your lives away. The passage through womanhood is hard-earned, but we’re here to help. Because we can’t always work a cell phone doesn’t mean we are naive. If there is only one lifetime make this one astonishing.
Clarity comes in the rearview mirror. Wisdom comes through experience. If education is available, grab it with both hands. Knowledge is more than classes, so, travel, read and meet new people. The best lessons are uncomfortable but they lead to enrichment. This is a lifelong journey.
Alice Best Jackson with granddaughter, Kennedy, age 11
Stand up like a capital “I.” Don’t be a martyr for someone else, but recognize you are a warrior. Grasp opportunities and mask your timidity. You’ll be amazed how smart and funny you are. In youth there are thoughts of being less, well that’s wrong. Don’t battle to blend in. Your quirky self is incredible. Ignore society’s role for women; you have every right to be outstanding and not another average.
If someone attempts to use your qualities as a weapon, that’s a testimony about them and not you. Stay the caring individual you are and if they try, toss your hair and walk away. In time you will be grateful you didn’t fit, but that will be years ahead. Your unique nature will provide adventure and profound loves.
The author with her granddaughter, Celena Davis, age 20
We judge ourselves in carnival mirrors. Don’t waste time with the warped vision. So, use a moisturizer, brush your teeth and remember your face in the best photos. In a well-lived life there are more good days than bad. We wish for you to recognize your value before beauty crinkles and invisibility envelopes you like a superpower.
Go where you find joy. Don’t let false judgments define who you are. Have fun and relish it. Exercise your body and mind. Don’t quit; we’ve changed so you can embrace fulfillment.
Trust your gut: if it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. Be brave, take risks, use your voice, cultivate friendships with other women; they are your allies and not the enemy.
Some apologies are insincere, accept them but remember, you may not be the smartest in the room, but you can be the hardest working. Focus on what you can control, standup, dress right, eat well, and work your butt off.
You’re part of the global community. Even a small effort makes the world better. Influencing one person works like ripples in the water, spreading and growing. Pick up trash and wipe down the public bathroom sinks as a gift to your children.
Connie Kreutzer Baker with granddaughter, Lyrica, age 10
Power is fleeting, but the potential is limitless. You came from the goddess, the moon, and the stars. You’re destined to be a kick-ass success. Thanks to generations before, you can do it with or without makeup or a dress.
The hardest part is starting. The timid first steps are the most important. Keep moving in the direction of your vision, creating an unstoppable momentum. It will appear as if you never wavered.
Don’t give up, life changes and not on schedule. Soon you’ll mark time in decades instead of minutes. May your wrinkles be from laughter and love,
Love,
The Grandmas
PS, Yelling at other drivers doesn’t teach them anything.
Don’t wear shoes you can’t run in.
Don’t wait for an invite to dance and sing.
