The past several days/weeks have given me time to think about my home and family. I have thought about the hardships Great Grandmother Anne Elizabeth endured during the Civil War.
I have thought about the promise of spring and the return of the perennials to my garden. Old friends returning for a visit.
A brisk walk in fresh air, a time to let my body work and my mind rest.
Sitting at a table and sharing a home cooked meal.
The smell and taste of fresh baked cookies from the oven.
Resting under the warmth of a hand made quilt.
I have thought about the anxiety which Grandfather Johann Martin must have felt as he was crossing the Atlantic headed to the Americas and a new home. The sadness felt my Grandmother Bessie in the death of her Mother and two sisters within three years. The fear of Grandmother Rebecca as she waved goodbye to her sons headed off to fight in WWII. The perseverance of my parents growing up during the depression.
My family, warts and all. Through all these times, they found their inner strength and kept going. Cool heads, rational thinkers, finding a way to carry on.
