Wow what a beautiful devotional piece to a woman who sounds so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing all that your Aunt Donna gave you… female role models like her are immensely powerful and I love reading about her. Reminds me of my Grandmother who at 103 still will not be seen without her red lipstick and nails and all her jewellery. Xx
She was also of the belief that she could not leave the house without being "dressed".
In her heyday in the late 1920's, she was a concert pianist and performed in churches and halls. After giving up her career to raise a family, she returned to music as a piano teacher in her house. Always dressed properly with makeup to receive her students. In her 90's, she performed in nursing homes and retirement homes.
These older ladies sure knew how to pull themselves together.
I wonder how the current generation will look when the leggings get thin and full of holes.
I wish I had met your Aunt Donna- I feel like she and I would really get along- I think an appreciation of different cultures is so important and undervalued. Thank goodness for family and friends who make this possible. I remember someone in our family friend group always come to visit—bringing snacks, food, and things from afar. When you’re little and gift is of ultimate importance—this really matters! 🤓
Thanks for including me, Laura. Re transformative women, I have to say my mother, Martha Kitchel. It's a sad story but inspiring. Her mother died when she was 16, during the Depression. As oldest girl and 4 other siblings, she wasn't able to finish her senior year in h.s. as she had to take care of the 2 younger children and prepare meals for her dad and 2 older brothers. My grandfather asked her after the first yr, what she wanted for doing such a good job. She said she wanted to learn how to drive. Few women did back then, and she wanted her independence. Eventually she met my dad, had 6 kids of their own. My dad died when she was 51. She had 3 children 18 and under, me included, still at home though I was heading off to college. She needed a job. My uncle referred her to Metropolitan Insurance as a sales rep. With barely a h.s. education, she became their top earner within 6 years, leading the sales group, the only woman. She had the kindest personality and took part in all things around education, PTA, sports advocate for better fields, swimming pool, etc. and also involved in local church work. Everything she got involved in, she became the leader of. She was much loved. All 6 of us kids graduated from college, a true coup, and we have both our parents to thank. But it was hardest for her w/ my dad gone. Sadly she died 10 years after my father and the town came all out in their condolences. Everyone always had a kind word to say about her, she was just that type of person. She truly made a difference. She'll always be my personal hero(ine).
I do not look forward to the day when either of my parents pass. They are in their late 80s now, my father with cancer. Both parents are pillars of the community, social and political, and leaders in the local church.
Wow what a beautiful devotional piece to a woman who sounds so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing all that your Aunt Donna gave you… female role models like her are immensely powerful and I love reading about her. Reminds me of my Grandmother who at 103 still will not be seen without her red lipstick and nails and all her jewellery. Xx
Thank you.
I also had a grandmother who lived to 99.
She was also of the belief that she could not leave the house without being "dressed".
In her heyday in the late 1920's, she was a concert pianist and performed in churches and halls. After giving up her career to raise a family, she returned to music as a piano teacher in her house. Always dressed properly with makeup to receive her students. In her 90's, she performed in nursing homes and retirement homes.
These older ladies sure knew how to pull themselves together.
I wonder how the current generation will look when the leggings get thin and full of holes.
Gosh I know… it will be very different I am sure! X
I wish I had met your Aunt Donna- I feel like she and I would really get along- I think an appreciation of different cultures is so important and undervalued. Thank goodness for family and friends who make this possible. I remember someone in our family friend group always come to visit—bringing snacks, food, and things from afar. When you’re little and gift is of ultimate importance—this really matters! 🤓
Thank you so much!
Yes, family and friends are so important at any age.
Sometimes we don't agree, but it is nice to know that they are always there when we need them.
Having mentors to show us the world, is a treasure, for sure.
Thanks for including me, Laura. Re transformative women, I have to say my mother, Martha Kitchel. It's a sad story but inspiring. Her mother died when she was 16, during the Depression. As oldest girl and 4 other siblings, she wasn't able to finish her senior year in h.s. as she had to take care of the 2 younger children and prepare meals for her dad and 2 older brothers. My grandfather asked her after the first yr, what she wanted for doing such a good job. She said she wanted to learn how to drive. Few women did back then, and she wanted her independence. Eventually she met my dad, had 6 kids of their own. My dad died when she was 51. She had 3 children 18 and under, me included, still at home though I was heading off to college. She needed a job. My uncle referred her to Metropolitan Insurance as a sales rep. With barely a h.s. education, she became their top earner within 6 years, leading the sales group, the only woman. She had the kindest personality and took part in all things around education, PTA, sports advocate for better fields, swimming pool, etc. and also involved in local church work. Everything she got involved in, she became the leader of. She was much loved. All 6 of us kids graduated from college, a true coup, and we have both our parents to thank. But it was hardest for her w/ my dad gone. Sadly she died 10 years after my father and the town came all out in their condolences. Everyone always had a kind word to say about her, she was just that type of person. She truly made a difference. She'll always be my personal hero(ine).
Thank you so much for sharing.
I do not look forward to the day when either of my parents pass. They are in their late 80s now, my father with cancer. Both parents are pillars of the community, social and political, and leaders in the local church.
Thanks Laura. Quite a transitional life point. Hope your dad recovers.
Thank you.