BY JOELLEN COLLINS
In the last forty hours I have had impressive conversations with two women in my age bracket who have each been the mothers of six children and many grand and even great-grandchildren. For many of my friends of all ages, occasions arise where we can evaluate our contributions to our world through being women, some mothers, and perhaps developing lives also with enriching vocations or avocations. We may reflect on what our main achievements have been.
In my generation, most girls were expected to find a good man and have children (our MRS. degree at college). I don’t need to explain this widely understood attitude during the time we were leaping into maturity. However, since I am around so many women who have shared these “old-fashioned” expectations, sometimes we spend time talking about our adventures, our careers, our principles, and even financial situations in the context of how worthy we have been and what people and events have most benefited from our efforts and achievements. My mother often reminded me to “leave the world a little better off for your having been in it.”
When we share experiences, oftentimes a friend will comment on the travel, relationships and dramatic events I’ve had that appear as wonderful examples of an interesting and well-lived life. I concur with the adventure of my more dramatic events but believe more firmly than ever that the raising of good adults is by far the greatest achievement one could desire. One newer friend, (Meg as her pseudonym here) is a warm and kind woman, so it seems correct to be thrilled by her achievement of producing a loving family of two sons, four daughters and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. When some of them visit her (often), they are filled with affection and honor for her.
I visited Meg’s room to talk about photos and scrapbooks, and found many special items honoring her, like a blanket featuring imprinted images of her family, a bowl of fresh flowers stamped with an inscription, “The best grandmother ever,” and a beautifully framed photo of her wedding in honor of the 50th anniversary of a good marriage. That image of her and her husband captured the couple’s happiness. The bride, sweet, beautiful (and already a registered nurse), couldn’t have imagined the years of dedication required to succeed nurturing a happy marriage with loving, successful children who, in turn, add positivity and care to their generation and world.
When I left, I told her what I truly believe. Her life achievement in the chaotic span of our world during her years as a wife and mother is worth the highest praise and honor. Whether unnoticed by our celebrity culture, these people who have the blessings of effort and love fulfilled have lived lives we all could envy. I’m proud of my efforts in life in many ways, but I see people like her and my mother as gold medal champions. Thanks for the reminder, Meg.
