My nana has done something I'm going to talk about forever. Seriously.
My grandmother, born in 1860, arrived in this country alone at 19, traveling in steerage from Ireland. She spent two years as a child caretaker for a local family, working off the cost of her passage. Once free, she didn't hesitate; she opened and ran a boarding house for Irish immigrant mill workers.
Life threw unimaginable challenges her way. She went blind after an accident involving wood chips while chopping kindling. Soon after, my grandfather died suddenly of a heart attack, leaving her alone, sightless, and with five children to raise. In an era before social services, when families relied entirely on each other, she managed it. All five of her children graduated high school.
At 80 years old, in 1939, she came to live with our family. She insisted on contributing, taking care of us four kids to help my mother. She maintained her influence and guidance by telling stories, her words painting vivid pictures for us. Through it all, I never once heard her complain. I have never encountered anyone quite like her.
#FamilyHistory #IrishImmigrant #FamilyStories
