As I sit down to write this I reflect back on the lives of two very special people whom left their footprint on the lives of many people as they traveled through the journey we call life. As I think about their lives and how they impacted those near and dear my thoughts then turn to my own Grandmother who is of the same generation. My Grandma will be 89 this year and I hold such special memories of being at my Grandparents farm and following my Grandmother around as she went about her daily chores. I recall watching her tend her garden and mending our clothes on her treadle sewing machine, but perhaps the most vivid memory is of her Monday routine which was always laundry day I would watch her standing in front of the wringer washing machine putting the laundry through the wring one item at a time and then hanging them out on the clothes line to dry. I recall that line of clothing that sparkled in the sunshine and which was always hung just so.
Our generation have so much we could learn from our Grandparents, not that they did everything right but they did live a “mostly” green life style primarily out of necessity and simplicity. Our Grandparents’ stories provide a measure we can relate to and learn from at the same time.
I have developed the following 5 questions to help me determine which practices from my Grandparents’ generation we should keep or let go.
1. How did my grandparents do it?
2. How do we do it now?
3. Which way seems most ideal?
4. Can I maintain my ideal within the context of my current lifestyle?
5. If not, what changes do I need to make to close the gap between my reality and my ideal?
I believe these five questions will help me determine if I should do something my grandparents way or if our current way of doing it is better. I know we have made progress in many areas. I suspect I will often end up doing things in a way that honours the spirit of my grandparents while bringing the best of both worlds together. I know I will not convert to a wringer washer or treadle sewing machine but if I only put some thought into my decisions and actions for even the smallest steps will impact mother earth and future generations. I truly believe I will have had a more positive impact. Small steps ad up.
Cheryl Kelly
Sales Representative at Signature Service GMAC Real Estate
www.cherylkelly.ca
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