I have found myself thinking of both my grandmothers during this strange time of times. Nanie is the grandmother I knew and loved and spent time with the most. Her influence was more of a third parent than an elder once removed. I also have thought of Nan, the paternal grandmother I never met. I knew her through the stories my Dad and his siblings told me of her life in Ireland with a few years in Boston as a young woman.
Nan feels especially close during this health crisis. My Auntie Mae, her daughter, told me how Nan had survived the Spanish flu of 1918. She was a young mother of 5 who got so sick a nurse had to be called in for daily care. The nurse died from the flu. Nan survived or I would not be here writing this blog.
Nanie is on my mind because so many of her lessons are meant for today. She lived through the depression with her own young family. Still, she managed to hold on to their home and husband while feeding her family of five and a few more immigrants. How did she do it? I cannot tell you for sure as that was long before my time. However, I do know the invaluable life lessons she taught me. I share them as a way through this pandemic for all of us:
Sleeping - Nanie always said an hour of sleep before midnight is better than all the hours after it. This may have been a farmers’ tale, however I learned it best myself. I never had to get up and milk the cows. In this time of crisis, sleep is crucial. For health – physical as well as mental. And a great way to relieve stress.
Cooking – My Nanie could make anything taste good. She was an amazing yet simple cook. Leftovers were fabulous when they came out of her electric fry pan, off the stove or out of the oven. The first time around her meals were large enough to feed an army. She also made the best Irish bread and treats. What was truly remarkable is that I never saw her consult a cookbook or watch a cooking show. She was a natural. Nothing fancy but love enclosed with practice and talent.
Cleaning – I loved helping my grandmother clean her home – a direct contrast to cleaning with my Mom. Nanie and I would dust, sweep, vacuum and wash. Then, she would say, “We have done good enough. Let’s have some tea and a treat.” This is true today. Clean. Disinfect. And do the best you can. Then, rest. Perfection is hard to come by. Do a good job. Consistency and cleaning will keep us safe. Stressing lowers our immune systems.
Sharing With Others - Nanie always shared what she had. This included her home with close relatives and friends who needed a place to stay. She sent money home to Ireland so others could immigrate to the United States, like herself. And she fed so many people. She never had much herself, but always welcomed others. (See #2)
Daily Dressing - My Nanie was a widow who rarely had anywhere to go but was always dressed each and every day. Unless someone was coming to pick her up for church, or a doctor’s appointment or grocery shopping, she could be found at home. She looked forward to social gatherings and going out but spent a lot of time alone. So in these times we can learn something from Nanie. Get up. Get dressed, wash your face and start your day. No matter what you are doing or not doing getting ready is energy clearing. Washing the sleep out of your eyes, brushing your hair and your teeth are a sense of clarity and readiness. Having a routine is important. Start your day with one.
Remember the generations ahead of us paved the way. They may have not lived through anything like this, but they have pearls of wisdom that may just help make your today better. Practice some of Nanie’s approach to living or find a few favorites from your ancestors.
