My Truly Great Grandmother :: Personal Narrative

My Truly Great Grandmother It is obvious that my mother loved her grandmother, Matilda. Affectionately referring to her as "Tillie," my mom's eyes wander, and the corners of her mouth climb the sides of her face as she tells me about the red haired, freckled woman. My Aunt Beth's response is similar as she recalls sitting on Tillie's lap, singing along to the familiar folk tunes and hymns that poured from her mouth, filling the air with a strange tonal fragrance. My grandmother, Tillie's daughter, shares with me the secret of family dance sessions when her father, Ira, was not home, and the generosity of a mother who, save for a single time when hunger got the better of her, always saved the extra piece of pie for one of the children. Though she died three years before my birth, I have met my great grandmother many times through these stories and through my imagination. The stories about Matilda are enchanting and often funny, as she loved to tease. One story in particular has grabbed my attention for many years and has never let go. It is a brave story of changing cultures and giving up comforts. When she was 15, Matilda loved playing piano, dancing, and wearing fancy hats in her Methodist home. That year, she met Ira Miller, a Mennonite by tradition, and four years later, they were married. Ira was not fully committed to the Mennonite way of life, and was much in love with Matilda, so he lavished on her all sorts of worldly possessions, including a beautiful emerald engagement ring. No ring could have better complemented her speckled skin and fiery hair. By the time they were married, Matilda, had grown discontent with the Methodist church, and the young couple decided to live as Mennonites together. Unfortunately for Tillie, the strict rules of the denomination demanded a great change in lifestyle before membership was granted. No Mennonite home could shelter such a worldly item as a piano, and dancing was strictly forbidden. The beautiful hats she loved to wear would have to be replaced with a plain, white head covering. The emerald ring, so perfect on Tillie's hand, along with her wedding band, had to be sold, as Mennonites did not wear jewelry. Though they were difficult lifestyle changes, Tillie willingly relinquished all these items to commit to an unfamiliar culture.