There are so many powerful women these days- women that I would love to learn from and emulate, but honestly, my definition of a woman worth celebrating is far different from what most people would think of.
The Strength of a Grandmother
When I think of a strong, inspirational woman, I think of my Nana.
My Nana grew up in a very low-income situation. Many of us will never experience the level of financial hardship that she did as a child/teenager.
When my Nana married my grandpa, she was very young. 16 years old. Not long after getting married, she got pregnant with my mom. A couple years later, she had my uncle, but by 23 couldn't have anymore children because of some serious health problems that continued to linger.
But despite those setbacks, Nana ended up creating her own interior design business from the ground-up. She built up an excellent reputation as a skilled, honest worker and business owner. And she continued to run her own business until she was in her mid-60's.
My Nana worked harder than most people I know. She made sure that people were happy with the work she had done, she worked long hours, she always looked beautiful and perfectly put together, and she always sought to put God first and show His love to others.
The Stroke
Two years ago, however, on October 12th, 2013, my Nana had a stroke. She was paralyzed on her entire right side, she couldn't talk, and she had to eat through a feeding tube.
All of us were in shock. This resilient, hard-working, wonderful woman was all of a sudden unable to talk, walk, or eat. Our hearts broke for her as she had to work through all of this.
Inspiration At Its Finest
But you know what? My Nana worked through it all with grace. As soon as she was able, she got therapy (speech and physical). She worked on talking, on moving her hands and feet, and she was able to get off the feeding tube.
She went from liquids, to soft solids, to being able to eat most of her favorite foods again.
She went from not being able to move any of the right side of her body, to being able to move her fingers, move her foot, and walk short distances with a walker.
My Nana can talk on the phone now. It's hard for her to talk, and it wears her out after a long-day, but I can pretty much talk to my Nana like I always have.
A True Role Model
God gets the ultimate glory for all of this progress. It's His doing. But it's also super important to me that people understand how hard my Nana has continued to work.
Despite the rigorous rehab, despite a struggle against depression, despite the fact that almost no one from her church of 20 years has come to visit her or check on her, my Nana has persevered. My Nana has continued to read her Bible, pray, have faith, and trust God. It hasn't been easy for her, but I absolutely know, beyond a shadow of the doubt, that my Nana has handled this better than most people (including myself) would. She is one of the single most amazing women I know, and she is an inspiration to me spiritually, emotionally, and in her work ethic.
My Nana has always loved me with a deep, wonderful love that no one could miss, and she still does. She means the world to me.
When I think of a strong, inspirational woman, she's it! I don't need to look to a celebrity, or a lady in power. I only need to look to my Nana. She is a far better inspiration than anyone the world could suggest to me!
Want to read more posts about women who inspire, encourage, and make a huge difference in the world? Check out the posts below!
Want to read more posts about women who inspire, encourage, and make a huge difference in the world? Check out the posts below!