Family Fotos

1963, November.

Grammy sits erect yet at ease in that wingback chair, ankles crossed, arms draped over the armrests. Her hands dangle, open and relaxed. She looks to the side, faint smile in her eyes. My sweet, patient, calm Grammy.

1964, July.

Grammy perches on a wood bench, a flowered hat pinned to her hair, purse clenched beneath the arm supporting her great grandson. His head flops over her other arm. She braces her feet apart as though straining to keep his 2-week-old body safe.

2019, May.

I cradle my great grandniece, my arms posed exactly like Grammy’s. At nearly three months, Caroline is heavier than I expected. Though I am ten years younger than Grammy was, I understand the effort it took to appear at ease with that precious new life.