Why I Started This Blog
When I was a child, my paternal grand father’s house, my uncle’s and my grandaunt’s houses were linked by these beautiful semi circle fences and gave to this big two level courtyard with a grass on higher ground, and a leveled lower space that we used to sweep clean. One seating there could see miles away. My home and my other uncles’ and cousins’ homes also were around or behind those. No one left home or came back without the watchful eyes of the elders who usually sat there since sunrise to sun set, and maybe way after sun set. One of my first memories is seating or playing in this courtyard with my siblings and cousins as our parents and older relatives worked or just sat and hang out. Stories were told, pain was shared, joy was spread. Advices were given. Visitors, both distant relatives and strangers were welcomed. As children we learned by observing interactions between adults. We watched conflict being resolved, parties being planned, and jokes being told, just pure joy of being together. We asked questions, we learnt to do basic work both by watching and hands on training. We were admonished and praised as appropriate both by our parents or any adult around.
When I grew up and moved away, I looked forward to visiting home. Then one day I found myself with the loss of those relatives and the meaning of that space without them. Though I found a new home, I struggled to create that space for my children and their children. The few relatives I have now are scattered across the globe, literally. So I decided to take advantage of the technology and build this grandma’s corner to tell my story and share my memories. Some that I remember as a child, I will attempt to see through the lenses of a mature woman and a grandma. I want to communicate my story, my experiences not only to my own but to other people out there who are thirsty and hungry for human experiences. This is the space; stay turned. Laugh with me, cry with me, probe me for more. It is my hope that as I start even more memories will come.