Maybe you thought, when you got to be a certain age, you could sit in a rocking chair, on the porch, let your mind wander, and your family would lavish you with attention. Not so! Nor should it be!
When you get to that age (and you know it when you get there), you have a most important job. A job no one else can do. A job vital to the continuation of the species (well, the family, anyway): the job of Matriarch.
Now, the word “matriarch” sounds very regal, but only because of the respect it implies. As the eldest female in the family – or village – the matriarch holds all the memories and history of the group. She is responsible for teaching the younger members the ethics, morals and manners that will see them through their lives. Only she has the wisdom and patience – gained over time – to see how the little things affect the big things. And that, maybe, the little things are the big things, after all.
Who else can show the innocent how to die? Or, more importantly, how to live, laugh or dance? She knows nothing lasts forever and some things never change. All this she must impart to the up-and-coming matriarchs without being “preachy” or butting in too much. The best way, I’ve found, is by example. It is slow but good and true.
So, all you closet matriarchs, get up out of the rocker! Claim your job title (and your tiara, if needed)! And begin tapping into your wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom. Do not go to your grave without giving away all you have earned and learned over the years. Remember, it is YOUR job, MY job, ALL of our jobs to teach, educate and enlighten those sweet, little sponges we call our grandchildren.
The Village Granny 
*Sniff*
This made me cry mauntie. Just in two short years you have shared memories with me that I had completely forgotten. Without you, some of my past would be lost forever.
You’re one of the best people I know.
Your niece in another state
Sharon
http://sharon-moms-madhouse.com/
Watch out Madera! Sharons maunt is in the house! Welcome to our Matriarch.
Well said.
Popin’ by with vB Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you. Come and visit me again. Love to chat!
Granny
You write beautifully! Why would you even say “What made me think I could do this?”. This is a great call to action for Matriarchs everywhere! Have a great weekend!
I’m so new to this computer thing. I just got an Iphone in June, didn’t even know what an “app” was! Then in August I decided I needed to start a blog! It was either that or write a book – which sounded very labor intensive. Thank heavens for my sweet niece Sharon who helped me every step of the way. Thank you for your comments.
Granny
I’m a looong way form this but this reminds of my mom. My cousins (adults) always go to her when they have problems. They even run to her more than their own moms. By the way, I like the intro about the rocking chair! It was very good 🙂
Thank you so much. I bet your mom loves being the family confidante. She probably has some very sage advice for everyone too. That only comes with age – hard won and well earned.
Granny
Wow! This is awesome. I’m at an age where I wonder often if I’m experiencing a bit of a mid-life crisis (emotionally) because I’m fairly certain my husband and I are finished having children and I’m painfully aware of the truth that the females in our family line have a history of early menopause, hysterectomies, breast cancer later in life, etc… I’ve been asking myself a lot, “does my mother in law (74) look at life and feel like she’s lived a full life? If she were to die tomorrow, would she be okay with it?” I know I’m sort of rambling here and probably not making any sense, but I just wanted you to know your words comforted me that aging isn’t a bad thing or scary or sad or even the end. Thank you for this message…from a 38 yr old woman trying to live a life for God…and trying not to fear what’s next. You blessed me this beautiful, snowy Saturday. 🙂
Hugs,
~Rosann
Old age is nothing to fear! It is great and wonderful and hard won. I love it! Thank for your comments. Come visit me again.
Granny
This was my grandma! If there were blogs in her day, she would have been there, because she actually published her auto-biography. Now, I can look at that anytime I want and read from her. It’s such a blessing, so I hope more matriarchs get to the blogging world too like you;)
So nice to meet you!
So nice to meet you too, Courtney. Your Grandma sounds wonderful. I’m glad you have such great memories of her. Writing an autobiography is a fabulous idea! Wish I’d thought of it! We should ALL do that!
Granny