My Mount Rushmore

[katespencer1]

Not surprising to anyone who knows me or follows me on social media one person jumped to mind when I saw this prompt. My Mems.

She's 87. She's a combination of Ouiser and Clairee from Steel Magnolias with a dash of Julia Sugarbaker.

Before I sit down and try to fully document her, it's important to stress how important she is to me.

More than a fount of funny anecdotes and amusing stories, she's the woman that raised me, shaped me and gave me my slightly abrasive personality. Mems is my grandmother, my best friend, and my rock.

She's loud, brassy, and a true broad. And damn funny. She doesn't just walk to the beat of her own drummer, she stole the drum and kicked down the drummer.

I try to describe her and I'm often lost for words, she'll do whatever she wants, say what she wants and rip you a new one any day she wants, then turn around and pay off your bills or stop and write a check to build a new playground at the local elementary school. She's an enigma of uniqueness that leaves her mark wherever she goes.

As she's getting older I see our relationship shift, as I take a more lead role, doing the grocery shopping and cleaning up. Running her errands now that she doesn't get out much.

We're still roommates. She's still bossy and demanding. She's still hilarious.

Now my worries are different than they were when I was in my 20s living at home with her. I worried about how it looked to people, would it impede my love life (spoiler: it did).

Now I treasure our time. I look forward to Monday nights when we watch Dancing with the Stars. She's on Facebook so I can send her random links and explain why half the things she sees are fake.

But I also have a feeling of dread all the time. She's 87. I'm realistic. I'm terrified of the day there will be a world without her. A Kate without a Mems.

She used to be up at the crack of dawn. Now I'm up. I make the coffee and bring in the paper. I watch her while she sleeps to be sure. I go to the gym and start my day.

In a way I think I'm her Mount Rushmore. A fully formed version of her (with a dash of pop culture obsession she lacks). I'm the most like her of all her kids, for the good and the bad.

Mems is my Mount Rushmore. My guiding star. My Mems.

Comments

[kehlen.livejournal.com]

My two honorary grandfathers died not very long after becoming such, and the only way I knew how to cope with the knowledge of the impending goodbye is by being grateful for their presence in my life every moment of every day - like you do.

*hugs*

[sonreir]

This is a lovely tribute to her. I hope you have many more years with her.

[adoptedwriter]

Mems sounds amazing. I felt this way about my 2 grandmas.

[the_eternal_overthinker]

Aww..<3 God Bless you both. I liked how you used the prompt twice over and how you have become each others Mount Rushmore. A nice read and thanks for introducing her to us :)

[bleodswean]

*hugs* This is gorgeous and so beautiful. I love how you allude to the prompt by stating baldly and boldly that she is your rock. You should share this writing with her!

[kimschlotwrites]

Your Mems sounds awesome. And a bit intimidating.

[murielle]

I love this! Your grandmother seems like a truly unique and inspiring woman. Your relationship with her is wonderful.

Thank you SO much for sharing it with us.

[rayaso]

Mems sounds like such a fascinating, kick-in-the-pants kind of person. I loved the line "She doesn't just walk to the beat of her own drummer, she stole the drum and kicked down the drummer." Perhaps you could write more about her if the prompts allow?

[megatronix]

This was my favorite line too!

[megatronix]

Aw this is amazing, I LOVE that you have such a close relationship with her, I've always wished I could've had that. Excellent descriptions, and I'm happy you shared her with us!

[fausts_dream]

Awesomeness, my mom is approaching her 80th year and she has some Steel Magnolia in her as well. Enjoyed this.

[bewize]

What a wonderful tribute to a remarkable sounding woman.

[dmousey]

Such a heartfelt tribute to the woman who raised you.I especially like this descrption... "She's loud, brassy, and a true broad. And damn funny. She doesn't just walk to the beat of her own drummer, she stole the drum and kicked down the drummer." pure gold.

Thanks for penning! ✌😊 ~~~d

[encrefloue]

Your love for her shines through. Nice work.

[halfshellvenus]

She sounds like quite a woman! Very much worthy of being your guide, your rock, your protector, your friend.

I hope she'll be with you for a good many years still, and I know these fears. My mother is about to turn 93.

[alycewilson]

What a lovely tribute to her. In a sense she has carved you over time, as well as being your rock.