Grandma Herring

As generations pass, the world and our lifestyles are constantly changing. I live in a generation that is very innovative to say the least. Generation Z has been raised on the Internet and social media and, for many of us, it consumes almost every aspect of our lives. The world has adapted and now we all resort to Google, not books, for answers, our phones to text not call, and stay inside for entertainment instead of going outside to play. On the Internet we have the ability to follow just about anyone. Most of us get so self absorbed in celebrities, professional athletes, and YouTubers to the point where we have lost all sight of the people that deserve attention the most. Real heroes get up and go to work everyday to support their families. The selfless individuals who do it all expecting nothing in return. My hero is a remarkable woman, someone who had to grow up fast a child, and did anything and everything for her family. 

Cloth dolls we made together with love. Kaila (left) Grandma (right)Kaila Herring  My grandmother, Gloria Herring was born on November 26th, 1945 right after the second World War. By the time she was 7 years old, she was a full time caregiver for all her younger siblings. Being the oldest girl out of 14 siblings total, with just one older brother, saddled her a lot of responsibilities around the house. Not having very much money, they never lived in a house for more than two years up until 1958 when her grandfather died and they inherited his house. When Grandma Herring first told me this story I thought to myself “I would love to see the size of that house!”. As she continued on she mentioned it had two bedrooms. One room for the six girls and one room for the eight boys. Of course there was no heat in the bedrooms so she recalled having to sleep four to a bed in the winter just to keep warm. Not once has Grandma told me this story and complained or wanted me or anyone to feel badly for her. Although her family lacked  wealth, she was still rich with love. She accepted her life and made the most of it, which many of us have a hard time doing today. It is very easy to play the victim card instead of sucking it up. Grandma Herring left school in the 11th grade to work at the family business. She worked at Fugle’s Inc. until she met the love of her life and married my grandfather at 16. They had a combined total of six dollars when they got married and gave the minister five of it. Grandma and Grandpa stayed happily married for 51 years until he passed away in 2013. Together they lived on a farm for three months and saved up some money so they could purchase something of their own, and they did. Grandma was in awe about her 8x36 trailer that they paid $836.00 for. It didn't matter what it was, what it had, or what it looked like. It was their home. After living with so many people her whole life, she was grateful for every inch of that single wide trailer and the man she lived with. Doing what you need to do to get by does not get enough credit nowadays. Our society's attention is absorbed by the wealthy and famous. Why? Because they have everything they want and more. The truth is, you don't need a large house and five cars to be happy. Make the most out of what you have, be thankful, and love the people that surround you unconditionally. 

My hero created a life she loves living. My grandpa wanted her to stay home and take care of the kids and the house, which in today's world is frowned upon. Women have taken a more predominant role as time has gone on, but that is not the point. We all have the freedom to do whatever we please. Grandma got her GED at 40; she did not have to stay home. She wanted to. Flower beds, sewing, cooking, and cleaning was all she needed. She made clothes, had picnics, and loved having all her kids home so she knew they were safe. 

Growing up Grandma Herring was my best friend. I have every picture to prove it. I even cut all my hair off when I was in first grade, so we could have the same hair. I would sit behind my little pink sewing machine thinking I was whipping up something as good as whatever quilt she was working on at the time. I wasn't skilled enough to contribute to the big quilt and to this day I still don't think I am. Instead, we made cloth dolls together. My hero is 74 today and is a strong independent woman. For the last 7 years she has maintained acres of land, flower beds, any repairs needed on the tractors and house, and has traveled to a handful of new states with her friends. Our society is full of everyday heroes that deserve a recognition they don't hear enough. My grandma has helped me see that. To all the parents that get up and go to work everyday, thank you for supporting your family. To all the teachers around the world, thank you for pushing the importance of education. To anyone who is as selfless as my Grandma, thank you for being you. Lastly to Grandma Herring, all those years you spent caring for others, you finally have time for yourself. Explore whatever you want, buy whatever you want, and go wherever your heart takes you.