Growing up, my Nan was this incredible force. She was the kind of grandmother who would always pack lollies in her bag for a day out, was always quick to offer to look after my little sister and I, and she always let us eat dinner in front of the TV. Yeah, we lived it up at Nan's place.
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| This picture of my Nan comes with me everywhere |
It occurred to me many years later that she wasn't just proud of being smart, but that she had been able to prove herself worthy in a time where women didn't get many opportunities.
She loved sport and played much of it in her heyday, including having a broken jaw one time form a a hockey ball to the face.
She lived through World Ward II and worked in the Navy. She outlived two husbands, two children and fought til the very end until we were forced to say goodbye seventeen years ago.
She was a survivor.
I wouldn't be who I am today without my Nan. At times she drove me crazy because she always stuck up for my sister when we argued, and she was bossy as all hell. But she taught me many lessons which make up who I am today:
- If you want something you have to work hard, don't expect anyone to just hand it over to you
- Don't abuse any positions of power that you may have
- Being a women does not mean you can't be smart and go after what you want, even if people say you can't do it
She also gave me endless reams of paper, full reign of her typewriter and never said no to a visit to the local library.
I wouldn't be writing without her.
Who are the great women who've influenced you? Shout out to your inspirations in the comments below.
Your Nan sounds like an amazing woman, Stef. I'm glad you had such a positive influence in your life.
ReplyDeleteI have two women in my life who I feel have influenced me. My aunt is one of those people who makes time for everyone in her life and has endless compassion for others. I feel like I got my passion for human rights and interest in volunteering from her.
My Mum grew up as one of seven children in a poor household and she (along with my Dad) worked her butt off to provide a better life for my brother and I. She's also the person who encouraged me to take my writing seriously. When I thought it could only ever be a hobby, she was telling me I could get published. I'd probably never have considered it without her.
Thanks for sharing, Lauren - your mum and aunt sound like good souls! I'm glad you've got the support for your writing at home, it's so important x
DeleteHi Stefanie
ReplyDeleteI have tears in my eyes reading this post.
What a wonderful woman your grandmother was. And you have such beautiful memories to cherish.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Michelle
Thanks Michelle, I get a bit emotional when I write about my Nan. I'm glad you enjoyed the post :)
DeleteI had tears too.
ReplyDeleteMy Mum was a huge influence. She told both my sister and I that we were smart and beautiful and if we got a good education we could be whatever we wanted to be. She was passionate and political and believed that a society is judged on how it treats its less fortunate. One of her fav sayings when we were kids if we dared admit to being bored was "only unintelligent people get bored, read a book".
It's coming up to 4 years since she died and I miss her every day.
I love that saying! No wonder you and your sister went on to become writers :) She sounds like she was a great woman.
DeleteStefanie
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post :) My Mum and my Nan where both huge influences in my life both strong woman who worked through hard times but always found the time to enjoy the roses so to speak and always had time for their children and grand children they encouraged me to go for what I wanted in life and never give up and my Mum instilled in me the love of reading especially romance
Have Fun
Helen
Thanks Helen :) I don't know how woman did it back then, they had to fight for everything. Sounds like you grew up in a wonderful, supportive household.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, Stefanie! Your nan reminds me of my great grandmother -- she didn't have much in terms of material possessions, but she did everything she could to make sure we all felt loved...and that to her we were all special and unique. It's such a gift. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's true, that really is a gift. Material possessions don't cut it in the long run!
DeleteHi Stefanie. What a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteYou made me think of my mother who's been an enormous influence for lots of good reasons. Always there, always supportive, always a great role model. And would you believe, my daughter too - her grit and determination (and her lateral-thinking way of approaching things) are an inspiration too. Then of course, there are the many women I've read about through the years who've inspired me to try harder or step out of my comfort zone. So much great inspiration!
I think it's beautiful you take inspiration from your daughter as well as your mother!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous post, Stefanie. It's so wonderful you had your wonderful Nan in your life.
ReplyDeleteMy Mum has always been a wonderful positive influence in my life, even though you couldn't meet two such different people.
I've also been lucky enough to have some amazing female bosses during my career. For them and their wisdom and mentorship I am eternally grateful!
That's wonderful you've had positive female role models in your career, there's nothing better than finding a boss who's genuinely in your corner :)
DeleteLove this post, Jennifer. My grandmother was my inspiration. She was widowed in her early thirties with four children under seven and a dairy farm to run which women hardly ever did back then. She was one tough lady and yet very soft and loving.
ReplyDeleteWow, she sounds like a very hard-working, tough woman!! What an inspiration :)
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