What’s the Point
I have three
grandmothers. Two of my grandmothers are physically deceased. All I have left is my Grandma Mary. It has been that way since I was a small
child. I have always loved my Grandma
Mary. She is one fiery “old” lady sometimes.
Knowing her has greatly shaped my view of what it means to be “old” and
how a grandmother behaves. As a result,
I was very curious what my other grandmothers were like.
I prodded my parents for stories about them
and my other ancestors. My Great
Grandmother Winnie Mac Daniel used to say “Use it up, wear it out, do with, or
do without.” When my dad first told me
that story I didn't really understand what he was talking about. Despite my initial lack of understanding of
the meaning of that phrase, it stuck in my brain like gum in my hair. I am aware now that it was a common phrase
and way of thinking about things and life in the time period in which she
lived.
