My nephew, Sam gave me the inside scoop that Taylor Swift’s album was dropping at midnight the other day. I love that we have that kind of relationship now. He was the first grandchild on both sides- the first nephew- the first everything. We certainly cherished the little baby that was him when he was born. You can tell this by the amount of pictures of him compared to his siblings after they were born. Poor things. We were just so enthralled with this new generation, the beacon of hope of better times and healing.

Taylor Swift (or Tay Tay as I so affectionately call her) wrote this one song entitled, “Marjorie” in which she writes about her grandmother. Well, my mom’s name is Marjorie, so it is apropos that my nephew’s grandmother is named Marjorie as well as his favorite artist, Taylor Swift. I am loving the album but especially her song. 

Never be so polite, you forget your power

Never wield such power, you forget to be polite

And if I didn't know better

I'd think you were listening to me now

If I didn't know better

I'd think you were still around

What died didn't stay dead

What died didn't stay dead

You're alive, you're alive in my head

What died didn't stay dead

What died didn't stay dead

You're alive, so alive

It seems so perfect with this project of writing about my own grandmother. Our family tree feels very much alive, the roots twisting and growing as I write these words. Every chapter I complete I feel my grandfather’s hand on my shoulder, encouraging me to keep going. He always wanted to write the manuscript of our family but never seemed to complete it the way he envisioned. I hope to make him proud. When I tell my grandmother that I am doing this project and trying to complete it before she dies, she says “I can’t promise anything” and laughs. Yet there feels as if a clock is ticking…ticking… away as my fingers fly across the keys. I’m doing my best.