Monday, March 30, 2009

She and I




Her name was Laura, and I hope I bear a resemblance. I don't know much about my great-grandmother during her living years, but in her death, she remains remarkable to me. When she discovered that an elderly neighbor was dying of consumption and all alone with no one to care for him, she took up the burden. In caring for him, she caught tuberculosis as well. In her time, people who had TB were shipped off to a sanatorium, and she was no expception. From her Texas home, she was forced into the nearest hospital in New Mexico, where she was separated from her family and eventually passed away. This is the only surviving photo of her. I like to believe that she was extraordinary.

4 Things not left unsaid:

Keetha said...

I hope you have these two photographs framed and side by side somewhere in your house.

Candace said...

Wonderful, SG! I agree with Keetha.

Jacqui G said...

This is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL picture of you! You are truly a goddess.
Who is the other young lady?

Southern Girl said...

Thanks for the comments, guys. I really need to write the post that goes with these photos. The other picture is of my great grandmother Laura. She does look unhappy, doesn't she?