A Tribute to Grandma
September 4, 2008 by Katelyn Thomas
Filed under lifestyles channel
The Lifestyles channel is doing a tribute to grandparents and I thought this was the perfect time to talk about my great-grandma. Growing up in times of economic hardship can be really tough, even if you have a spouse. But this amazing lady was widowed early and still managed to care for three children during a time when women had trouble finding work. She learned to be a nurse, cared for her family and, when she was older, still had the energy to make cute little outfits for her grandchildren’s dolls for Christmas and birthday gifts. (Out of left over scraps of fabric - this lady didn’t waste a thing.)
A lot of the thrifty habits in my family were passed down from two sets of very thrifty great-grandparents and grandparents, who all lived during the Big Depression. I am very greatful that we learned about being thrifty from these hard working, determined people.
With today’s current economic trouble, stress and worry over financial problems is really getting to a lot of people. However, I have to say that, while many people are in genuine financial distress, not being able to afford Starbucks or having to drive a used car for another year are not signs of a depression. If you talked to Grandma about your money woes, she would shake her head, tell you about using one carrot and half a very scrawny chicken to feed a family of five and mention that she didn’t even have a car. She would also pull out her well worn series of financial lectures about saving until you can afford it and shopping for cheaper used or even free items. Believe me, we know these lectures by heart!
LRN
I totally value being frugal and working with what you have to make the best of it- but at the same time, it is hard to stick to your guns when it seems that everyone else is walking around with new clothes on, a fancy cellphone, sippin’ on a Venti Frappachino.
While we cannot see the truth about it- they may be in debt, they’re not saving their money for the future…yadda yadda..but it can be defeating to think that you have “less” whether that’s true or not.
I think that’s where a lot of our financial “stress” comes from- feeling like we can’t keep up with the Joneses.
I read over that and realized it sounds very whiny- sorry!
But honestly, I remember my Gram telling me that she used to have to bring catalogs to the bathroom because they didn’t have toilet paper- now, that’s something to be stressed over!!
Shannyn,
I don’t think you sounded whiny - just frustrated. It can be hard to stick to a budget when you’re hanging with friends who don’t even know how to say the word. I absolutely agree that financial stress comes from trying to keep up.
I also think that being absolutely, completely frugal can build resentment and self sabotage. Can you afford to set aside $5 a month to blow on a perfect cup of coffee? That $5 isn’t wasteful if it helps you keep from spending $50 a month to treat yourself because you are upset that you can’t have anything nice.
This way, when you feel upset, you can remind yourself that you still have that ultimate cup of coffee to look forward to sometime each month.
Katelyn- good advice!
My grandmother used to sit with my sister and me and help us make dolls’ clothers…out of scraps of fabric and feed sack fabric. She even made a new leg (out of fabric and cotton stuffing) when my doll Harriet’s leg got broken.