Kindness Challenge - Week 4
Created by Niki Meadows
#RevOfKindness @NikiMeadowsWA
My Role Model for Kindness
My dearest grandma Emma,
Today, I’m
writing to tell you something I never told you: You were my "role model for kindness." Yes, you loved me, unconditionally, but we shared more than a hereditary link. We shared a spiritual connection, a bond that
cannot be broken.
When I
think of you, I think of roses, gently tended to by your hard-working hands. Remember the honey bee that stung
you? You let out a yelp, and I frowned up at you. "Why did it do that, Gramma?" Smiling, you allayed my fears. “The little bee said ‘look out, here I come,’ but I didn’t get out of the way.” That made me giggle, but it also taught me a
valuable lesson about life and forgiveness.
You were a quiet, thoughtful woman, who never spoke ill of others. Faith shone through your light blue eyes,
along with a glint of merriment. You lost your firstborn, your only son, while your husband had gone to America in search of a better life. Three years passed before you could join Grandpa in the United States, but your grief and your struggles never made you bitter.
I carry
your stories in my heart: Your voyage from Austria to America with two young daughters; the terrible seasickness you endured. The hardships of an immigrant family living
in Chicago. You learned to speak
English, became a citizen, and cleaned office buildings in order to survive The Great Depression. From you, I learned the meaning of courage
and perseverance. Your strong, silent
message prevailed: Never lose hope.
You did needlepoint beautifully, a testament to your patience. You baked apple pies with a dash of cinnamon and a lot of love. We cooked together in your favorite style: a pinch of this; a pinch of that. You taught me to polka, to speak German, and to sing in your native language. You always helped your family, lending a hand well into your upper years.
Although
Grandpa could be difficult at times, you stayed by his side for six decades. I was with you when he drew his last breath,
and with you when you drew yours. The
morning your soul called to mine, and I rushed to the hospital, remains a bittersweet
memory. I held your hand and we sang,
“Du, Du, Liegst Mir Im Herzen…” You, you,
lie in my heart. A part of me went
with you that day, but you left behind a kinder, more caring person.
Kindness & Patience go hand in hand, Grammy. You taught me everything I need to know about both--instilled in me a sense of compassion.
Thank you, I love you, and I'll see you in your rose garden...
Who was your "role model for kindness," and why?