Day 214 - Strong Women

I called my grandmother today; she is 100 years old and celebrating her 81st Mother's Day. She remembers spending many Mother's Days fishing. My grandfather loved fishing, and to him, any day was perfect for time spent by a river or lake. Yet, as I spoke with my grandmother, I realized that the sacrifice of packing lunches, coolers, and everything else needed for a fishing trip on Mother’s Day was not a bitter memory for her. In fact, this was exactly how she would have chosen to spend it—serving her family in the best way she knew how. Would she have enjoyed a day off or breakfast in bed? Probably. However, she never expected it. Instead, she woke up as she did every other day, tackled chores, cooked meals, and supported another epic adventure for all the boys. This phone call reminded me that my entire life has been defined by strong women who have raised me, supported me, and surrounded me—my grandmother included.