Old Woman

She sits quietly as she listens to her grandchildren's chatter. She knows the feeling of that age, long ago, when the world seemed simple in a beautiful, innocent, free way. She knows this world is beautiful now, but in a different way. A way that has changed her. Her children know much of her, her husband more, and yet her siblings more.
Grand stories of adventures, both alone, and with her husband. She knows so much. Attending different universities. Trying unique food. Connecting with people around the world. Inspiring all that she could. She does not realize or remember every detail as freshly, but she has kept them. In a place only an idea a hundred years ago. A place her children love for all of the unique people that inhabit it and inspire others. All of the people they claim as role models. She carefully tells stories of long ago. As a child in a "broken," home. Of life with two crazy, rambunctious brothers. Of siblings she never knew she would have, but that she learned to love anyway. Of parents she only heard about in books, but never knew she would know them. Of families that are split, but just as good, if not better. For she would not know so many wonderful people, if not for them. Of changing schools. Of hobbies as a child. Of those who inspired her. Of her lovely grandmother. Of the weekends and breaks doing chores and playing with her dogs as a Senior. Her grandfather, who passed earlier, but who inspired her to pursue unique activities, and allow her brightness to shine. Of her other grandfather, still present at the end of school, who felt distant at times, but who took her on horse rides, and all of the times discussing a range of topics, inspired by his magazines. Her mother and father, though very different people, similar in enough ways to make her feel safe, comfortable, and loved. Intelligent people, she says. Both well read, college educated, and kind. Both in their own fight for justice, mercy, and goodness. And both caring enough to guide her through her dreams, and let her pursue them, with enough support. Both teaching her to work hard for what she wanted. Both able to calm her, inspire her, and help her. Both truly have her best interest at heart, as I do, and as your parents do.
Adventures, she says, are not limited to travel and wilderness, but to the people you go about daily life with. Those who inspire you, those you read about and feel connected with. Those you relate to. Those who help you through a hard time. Those who convince you to push through the hard times. And those insane enough to help create your ideas, even when they question what you are doing. Those who help you to follow God, who humbly go about their lives, in pursuit of bettering themselves, and those around them. Those around who are kind, who truly care about you, and who refuse to use you. Those who choose to be your friend, simply because they can. Those who inspire you to pursue what makes you feel good, what makes you feel better, and what makes you feel connected to God and Nature. SO, to eighty year old me, above all, pursue these things, pursue what you know, and pursue the good people in your life. So that when this day comes and you are teaching your young grandchildren, they feel nothing but love, devotion, respect, and interest. And, most importantly, follow your dreams, you will only regret it if you do not. Do your best to be kind, loving, grateful, and strong. Follow God, follow your dreams, and help others. That is all I ask. Love, your seventeen year old self. Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 1:26 AM