The year was 1961, the year Grandma Moses died at age 101. New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller declared September 7, 1961, "Grandma Moses Day," proclaiming, her lessons of life will last as long as her pictures. Although, I was too young to remember that date or the proclamation, in due time, I did learn about the value of time on earth and I do remember how fast the 1960s passed with many life changes due to the deaths of President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King.
Understanding great women in history who brought about change is educational. In reference to Grandma Moses, for the old, she left the lesson of renewed spirit and zest for life. To the young, she left the lesson of her life, by which she has stimulated and inspired a yearning for simplicity that brings contentment to walking the earth and a kinship with nature.
I remember visiting the Grandma Moses Museum in the late 1980's in Bennington, Vermont. We were enroute to Maine. At that time, I wanted my children be educated and to know, no matter how old a woman gets, a picture (or painting) speaks volumes. At some point in history, I told my children if we are lucky, we get old. But getting older, doesn't mean we should ever give up on our dreams.
After seeing the Museum, we sat outside near the steps. I explained to my kids seniors always remember the simpler life. I shared life experiences of older women I knew growing up when I was their age. As children, they needed to remember their youth and to respect people of all ages. Just because people get old, it doesn't mean they should be forgotten. You just never know what contributions the most unlikely people make to this world, like Grandma Moses! My children really loved the Museum and were thankful for the visit to the museum.
I am older now. My children have grown up too. I wonder. Is there ever enough time to do the things we want to do? Are there enough dreams to come true? Is there enough energy to be motivated? And so, I remember the Grandma Moses Museum. On that day so long ago, vicariously I recalled seeing the great tenderness through Grandma Moses eyes in creating the simpler life. Even today, I'm still amazed knowing that even with arthritic fingers she created quilts to help future generations see what life was like when she was young.
Seniors are living longer today. How many will reach 101 or older? My mind wanders. If you are a REALTOR selling a senior's home, be kind. Remember respect for the elderly goes a long, long way to bringing contentment into their life, and yours too.
Author/Photographer: Patricia Feager
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