Strong Women's Stories
06/05/01..........Tiny Gramma by Kathy Ostrom
I wrote this story about my Gramma shortly after she died. I've been meaning to write in down and send it to you for your website, but haven't found the time until now.
Hope you enjoy it~Kathy
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Piecework or Peacework?
Recently when reading a magazine I came across a story about a group of Polish women who protested government military spending by crocheting a slipcover for an old army tank.
I couldn't help but ponder the possibilities...
First of all, would this be considered piecework or peacework?
Or both?
My grandmother, Alma Ostrom, was a tiny woman with a big heart. We all called her "Tiny Gramma." For years she and her lady friends would get together once a month for their "friendship club." Each lady would take a turn at hostessing and putting on the tea party. After eating they would work together on their latest project for charity. I remember these ladies all working together to make and tie a quilt, lap throw or some handwork that they referred to as "piecework." I'm sure that friendship club not only did great things for the community, but helped hold those women together mentally and spiritually through many tough times.
Tiny Gramma lived through the murder of her first husband (leaving three young children fatherless) a marriage to her brother-in-law (a man who had little humor and who died of emphysema in his early 60s) and 35 years of living alone until her death at 96. Although this may sound like an unhappy life to some people, Tiny Gramma was a sweet, giving, happy lady that I remember with tremendous admiration.
I really do believe the friendships we women maintain throughout our lives bring us great mental and spiritual strength. For eons women have tried to influence and change the threat of violence in society and the world. Maybe we are going about this in the wrong way. We should all be inspired by those ladies in Poland and by Tiny Gramma and her friends. I can see it now...
Friendship clubs springing up all over the country. Creative girl power.
If one group wants to protest violence on television, instead of writing letters...crochet slipcovers for television sets. Add a smart vase found at the local flea market and convince the kids the tv is now a side table.
When life seems unbearable and you're afraid of losing your mind, get the friendship club together for a tea party and make a crazy quilt. Not only will being with your lady friends save your sanity, the crazy quilt will keep you warm.
Your husband won't help out at home? Prefers to watch the football game? Get the gals together...a knitted afghan would look lovely on him. Your piecework might not be considered peacework by your husband but I guarantee he will think you are a piece of work!!
Thanks for the inspiration, Tiny Gramma.
You are gone, but not forgotten.
Your Granddaughter...Kathy
See Vicki's Honoring Grandmothers page
If you would wish to contibute a story to this page e-mail me and indicate if you wish to have your name included. Thank you.
Vicki's website features a place to share art and poetry. She is a minister and Reiki Master.
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