A Rather

I am now the Matriarch. A term I never sought nor welcomed to be quite honest.

I would have far preferred to be called many other things, idealistically, a great dancer or perhaps, a humorist. But neither would be accurate and yes, I admit reluctantly, Matriarch is now mine to own.

And as fate would have it, I currently have new unexpected blessings in my diminishing world. They are the daughters of two beloved cousins. It was “The Cousins” who taught my sister and I the beauty of laughter during the time two little girls shared with four older orphaned cousins. The new arrivals now enter my world with regularity without chariots from afar, but rather with the joy of weekly email, and/or internet messages.

And today it seems the cloud of sadness that settles over every human being at one time or another has settled over both their families.And I am reminded of the miracle that we three now share.

It is the inspiration of the original Matriarch, Mary Kelly Donlon. A strong, undemonstrative woman who valiantly donned a maid’s uniform. She then crossed a busy Hell’s Kitchen street daily at 4 pm to work in a local hospital where she was beloved. The stalwart warrior who still walked by her side was no longer able to help carry life’s burdens.

Our mutual ancestor became the sole support and strength of four frightened youngsters sharing her home while watching their Mom fade slowly away. The tall stoic woman wasted no time telling stories, or chanting Irish tunes, but set an example of finding humor in the darkness that lurks in each life.

Somehow the four youngsters survived the loss of both parents, and lived to inspire another generation with the blessings their Grandmother personified,

She shared her firm belief that laughter and love are the ingredients keeping us strong despite life’s inevitable moments of darkness. And if Mary Kelly Donlon was the original Matriarch, I am blessed to inherit the title.

Even though I still believe I was a rather good dancer.