can't nobody can hug you the way your grandma does

Ain't no place like home
Uh, I feel like Dorothy so I tries it
Kicks my heels but my Jordans wouldn't 'ize it
-DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, "Ain't No Place Like Home"

Myrtle and Willie.

They both are great-great-grandmothers in every sense of the word. Firmly at the helm of the fifth generation, each of them has an uncanny sense of humor and resiliency that is umcomparable.

And still be runnign shT.

Like Cagney and Lacey. Cheech and Chong. Cooper and Swoopes. Sanford and Son.

Every few months or so, we get the two of them together in the same city for some sort of family gathering. Whether it's a reunion, random travel, graduation, funeral, or celebration of some sort. As you would think, they are kind of the focal points of the occasion because we all derived from them. They are roots of the tree. It is their shoulders we (figuratively) tip-toe upon.

Just three weeks ago, we had both of them up here for Slow Sis' graduation. Mad fun. Mad jokes. Mad good times. Maddeningly enjoyable.

And as a matter of fact, we even granny-napped Willie for two extra weeks so she could chillax and do some shopping and get her lounge on. Different restaurants. Filene's Basement. Work visits. Filene's Basement. The Wrentham Outlets. Filene's Basement.

Yesterday, Myrtle turned healthy 89 ( she still dirves her PT Cruiser) and Willie, a lively 82, suffered a mild stroke.

Tonight, I reflect on the collective pearls of wisdom these two women have bestowed upon me.

I've learned to be selective in my dealings with people, yet comfortable enough to befriend anyone.


I've learned to brush my teeth in the morning. every morning.

I've learned to (try) and save half of what you earn.

I've learned to "iron" pants by usng your hands when they are fresh out of the dryer.

I've learned to love your children no matter what foolishness they do or short-sighted decisions they may make.

I've learned that the cyclical nature of parenting is a learning process for all involved generations. From those adjusting to having their first child, to a mother adjusting to becoming a grandma, and so forth.

I've learned that even old folks can be as hip (and sometimes hipper) than teens.

I've learned that age ain't nothing but a number (especially if you stay healthy).

I've learned to love your family and make sure you let them know you'll always hold them down.

I've learned to let those you hold dearest closer when you least need to because we you most need them, that's when they'll be there for you.

So this is a shout originally meant as merely a reflective birthday wish for Myrtle, but is now also a somber prayer for Willie as she recovers in NYC. Like the say in those radio shout-outs, "We'll hold you down 'til you get out."