International Women’s Day
In honour of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, I’m featuring a photography of my grandmother, Bridget Walsh (otherwise known as “Nanny Bridgie”).
Aside from being my only remaining grandparent, Nanny Bridgie is an excellent example of a wonderful, worthy woman on this important day.
She will be turning 90 years old this summer and her story is an incredible one. I am hoping to write about her more in-depth one of these days. The things she has survived and seen in her lifetime, and the grace and dignity (and humour) she managed to do it with simply amazes the other women in our family.
I’m thankful for all my women friends and family members, but today, I’d like to commemorate Bridget. An indomnitable spirit and woman I can only hope to be like in some small measure.
Bridget Walsh of Calvert, Newfoundland in her home in Corner Brook, NL. Hands that have toiled, a face that still smiles and a story worthy of telling. What a woman!
Posted on March 8, 2011, in Photography and tagged grandmother, International Women's Day, Nanny, women role model. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Long live the NAN.
One of the greatest gifts I was ever received was watching the island girl tease and carry on with her other, late, nan(another special woman). There was much talk of the Blue Nun and young suitors, not to mention fits of laughter and blushing.
Thanks to this crash course in NANing it up, I learned to start treating my Nan as an older, wiser friend and less a older, slower mother. This discover added a much needed and even more cherished dimension to our nan/grandson dynamic. Laughter and nonsense = golden years.
Wherever we stand as a province(depending on your opinion) we could not have made the strides we have without the thankless efforts and life work of so many, unheralded and unsung woman.
In a world filled with greed and selfish desires, it has been the sacrifice and guidance of these wonderful woman that allows us to sometimes fall, always rise and never forget where we came from. Without this gift we may never fully appreciate where we may end up.
Thanks Island girl, but most of all
thanks Nan, I miss you always.
Bridget is all of that and more. My parents came from Calvert as well and they also moved to Corner Brook. Next time you see her give her my best. She sure made us laugh enough times. And she was always willing to extend a hand of kindness to others.
There isn’t a nicer woman on the planet than “Bridgie.” She and my mom were best friends growing up in Calvert and connected again years later. I was fortunate to spend time with her and most of the Walsh children, although your mom was in Ferryland. When you see her, please give Bridgie a big hug for me, and send my best to your mom, Diane, Linda, Paddy, Ted, Joe & Gerard. I think I got them all
Gerry, thank you for those kind words about my other Nan (Mrs. Lizzie Barnable). Your own Nan was a legend as well. I remember her to this day. They leave such a print on our lives, and on the world, even as unsung heros. I totally agree.
Adrian & Doug – it’s so nice that you found your way to my blog and that you both also know my Nanny Bridgie. She was just in town for a short visit, at age 90, looking great, smiling and upbeat. She would be so touched to hear the kind things you both have said about her. I’ll be sure to tell her when I talk with her next. Hoping also to go visit her once the weather becomes more spring like.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the Nans out there. And all the wonderful women. And thank you to you three men for recognizing these kinds of women. It means a lot!
Hope you keep reading and enjoying the blog, gents!
Jennifer