When confronted with a global pandemic and the uncertainty that arises from a failing health care system, economy, and job market, it can be nice to gain some perspective from those who know the world best: our elders. Accordingly, I consulted my favorite experts on life and aging: my grandmothers, Dood Reep and Mollie Graves. They shared stories about the challenging times they have overcome and what advice they can lend to us troubled youngsters.
Firstly, Dood and Mollie both recommend that people try not to be overwhelmed by fear. Maintaining an open mind to new circumstances will allow us to more-quickly adapt to “new normals.” For example, during the Depression and World War II, Dood learned to cook with her rations, including olio (a gross-sounding substitute for butter). Meanwhile, Mollie learned how to raise a garden, waste nothing, and live frugally. They maintain the importance of being grateful for what one has and to not waste energy wishing for more.
Further, Dood and Mollie both remain proud of the fact that they stood up for what they believed in, in the face of uncontrollable circumstances. During World War II, Dood dropped out of college to support the war effort. She worked on a walkie talkie production line for the military and bought as many war bonds as she could afford. Quite oppositely, Mollie was a devout Quaker and pacifist. Although “everybody was so proud of those who went to war,” her brothers were listed as conscientious objectors and nobody in her family bought war bonds. Mollie loved being a Quaker, always promoted peace, and even convinced some of her classmates to become pacifists too.
Finally, my grannies recommend that we take all care of each-other. They’ve lived their whole lives committed to serving those in need, and both wish collective action and group meetings were possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mollie, in particular, is struggling since her self-assigned role at her retirement community is “smiler.” She tries to engage with as many other residents as possible to make them feel acknowledged and loved. I asked her if the face masks are stopping her from flashing a grin and she said, “Well, I try to make a joke of my mask too.” They remind me of the countless, little ways we can support others.
So, like sunlight and seasons, it’s clear from the lives of these ladies that circumstances - both good and bad - will come and go. Try analyzing graphs of stock prices, employment rates, rainfall, and even war and peace: the shape is sinusoidal. Booms and busts come in waves. Right now, our world is in bad shape. However, if women in their eighties and nineties march on, even after countless illnesses, conflicts, and heart aches, there must be something around the corner worth living for.
Firstly, Dood and Mollie both recommend that people try not to be overwhelmed by fear. Maintaining an open mind to new circumstances will allow us to more-quickly adapt to “new normals.” For example, during the Depression and World War II, Dood learned to cook with her rations, including olio (a gross-sounding substitute for butter). Meanwhile, Mollie learned how to raise a garden, waste nothing, and live frugally. They maintain the importance of being grateful for what one has and to not waste energy wishing for more.
Further, Dood and Mollie both remain proud of the fact that they stood up for what they believed in, in the face of uncontrollable circumstances. During World War II, Dood dropped out of college to support the war effort. She worked on a walkie talkie production line for the military and bought as many war bonds as she could afford. Quite oppositely, Mollie was a devout Quaker and pacifist. Although “everybody was so proud of those who went to war,” her brothers were listed as conscientious objectors and nobody in her family bought war bonds. Mollie loved being a Quaker, always promoted peace, and even convinced some of her classmates to become pacifists too.
Finally, my grannies recommend that we take all care of each-other. They’ve lived their whole lives committed to serving those in need, and both wish collective action and group meetings were possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mollie, in particular, is struggling since her self-assigned role at her retirement community is “smiler.” She tries to engage with as many other residents as possible to make them feel acknowledged and loved. I asked her if the face masks are stopping her from flashing a grin and she said, “Well, I try to make a joke of my mask too.” They remind me of the countless, little ways we can support others.
So, like sunlight and seasons, it’s clear from the lives of these ladies that circumstances - both good and bad - will come and go. Try analyzing graphs of stock prices, employment rates, rainfall, and even war and peace: the shape is sinusoidal. Booms and busts come in waves. Right now, our world is in bad shape. However, if women in their eighties and nineties march on, even after countless illnesses, conflicts, and heart aches, there must be something around the corner worth living for.