Wonderful Grandmother
A Wiradjuri aboriginal woman15 total reviews
Comment from MAMONIA
Just that fact that this story is real is so rare. How you came to grow up in such a manner with such tension around you is difficult for a young child.
This piece is very interesting and you do the story justice the way you have written it. I enjoyed it immensely.
Good luck in the contest.
Marie
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Just that fact that this story is real is so rare. How you came to grow up in such a manner with such tension around you is difficult for a young child.
This piece is very interesting and you do the story justice the way you have written it. I enjoyed it immensely.
Good luck in the contest.
Marie
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Hello Mamonia, Thanks so much for your fine review. Glad you enjoyed. Blessings, K XX
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You are most welcome.
Comment from Pj Dennison
Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry for your loss. I say loss not just loss of your grandmother back then and now other elders, but the loss of your childhood. When a child lives with someone who is a close parental figure who abuses them, the loss of some part of childhood occurs. You lost your grandfather long before anyone else because his cruel and heartless behavior just made him a slave owner, a deity in the home where everyone cowered in his presence and were shamed by his negligence.
Your story is very poignant, interesting and heartfelt. I could see your story becoming a much longer manuscript, an autobiography, or novel. It would be very enlightening and interesting to see through the eyes of an aboriginal person. I have a feeling that your entire life story is of interest. You are a survivor many times over and have created and recreated yourself. I am proud to meet you here on Fanstory. My name is Pj.
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry for your loss. I say loss not just loss of your grandmother back then and now other elders, but the loss of your childhood. When a child lives with someone who is a close parental figure who abuses them, the loss of some part of childhood occurs. You lost your grandfather long before anyone else because his cruel and heartless behavior just made him a slave owner, a deity in the home where everyone cowered in his presence and were shamed by his negligence.
Your story is very poignant, interesting and heartfelt. I could see your story becoming a much longer manuscript, an autobiography, or novel. It would be very enlightening and interesting to see through the eyes of an aboriginal person. I have a feeling that your entire life story is of interest. You are a survivor many times over and have created and recreated yourself. I am proud to meet you here on Fanstory. My name is Pj.
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Hello PJ, Thank you for reading and glad it held your interest. Blessings, K XX
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You are welcome.
Comment from tfawcus
It is hard to know how best to respond to this harrowing story. It leaves me with a sense of shame that anyone should be treated in this way, even more so when one considers it was the social norm of the times. I didn't arrive in Australia until 1981, but I am well aware that injustices still exist, even to this day, and there is much still to be done before we live in a fair and equitable society.
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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It is hard to know how best to respond to this harrowing story. It leaves me with a sense of shame that anyone should be treated in this way, even more so when one considers it was the social norm of the times. I didn't arrive in Australia until 1981, but I am well aware that injustices still exist, even to this day, and there is much still to be done before we live in a fair and equitable society.
Comment Written 26-May-2021
reply by the author on 27-May-2021
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Hello my friend, Thanks so much for reading. True life teaches us lessons. It made me stronger. My other grandfather was kicked in the head by a horse, so I never got to know him. As you say, we have much to do and I wonder if it's too late. Hope you are well. Blessings, Kay XX
Comment from Ashlyn Stone
This was an interesting story. It kept me reading it to the end. I am sorry to hear about how your grandfather treated her but in those days a lot of men were like that. Your story seems grammatically correct. Keep up the writing and good work.
reply by the author on 22-May-2021
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This was an interesting story. It kept me reading it to the end. I am sorry to hear about how your grandfather treated her but in those days a lot of men were like that. Your story seems grammatically correct. Keep up the writing and good work.
Comment Written 21-May-2021
reply by the author on 22-May-2021
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Thank you Ashlyn, I have been writing on this site for eleven years. Glad you found my story interesting. Blessings, K xx
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
This is an amazing, yet tragic story about your family, focusing on your strong, kind and beautiful grandmother, but also highlighting the racism and cruelty of your grandfather.
I don't know if it's too late to put revisions into your story, but whenever you're able to, if you want them, I would like to suggest the following:
"Nana needs a doctor!" We both squealed
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"Nana needs a doctor!" We both squealed.
My grandfather walked through the front door and my sister and myself decided to stand up to him.
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My grandfather walked through the front door, and my sister and I decided to stand up to him.
...and she went down hill dramatically.
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...and she went downhill dramatically.
"She's just badly bruised," Doctor gave her painkillers and left.
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"She's just badly bruised," said the doctor, who gave her painkillers and left.
I stood up in the bus for an hour to try not to throw up.
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I stood up in the bus for an hour, trying not to throw up.
I told the neighbor, "Nana has died" she stood with her mouth open.
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When I told the neighbor, "Nana has died," she stood with her mouth open.
***
I'm so sorry that you were exposed to such racism and cruelty, growing up, and that your first exposure to Christian beliefs was from someone who apparently didn't practice them. Your grandfather didn't model the teachings of Jesus. He used your wonderful Grandma very poorly. He didn't deserve her, but you knew how priceless she was. I'm sure she always felt your love.
I wish I still had a six star rating left, because your story deserves it.
reply by the author on 21-May-2021
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This is an amazing, yet tragic story about your family, focusing on your strong, kind and beautiful grandmother, but also highlighting the racism and cruelty of your grandfather.
I don't know if it's too late to put revisions into your story, but whenever you're able to, if you want them, I would like to suggest the following:
"Nana needs a doctor!" We both squealed
-->
"Nana needs a doctor!" We both squealed.
My grandfather walked through the front door and my sister and myself decided to stand up to him.
-->
My grandfather walked through the front door, and my sister and I decided to stand up to him.
...and she went down hill dramatically.
-->
...and she went downhill dramatically.
"She's just badly bruised," Doctor gave her painkillers and left.
-->
"She's just badly bruised," said the doctor, who gave her painkillers and left.
I stood up in the bus for an hour to try not to throw up.
-->
I stood up in the bus for an hour, trying not to throw up.
I told the neighbor, "Nana has died" she stood with her mouth open.
-->
When I told the neighbor, "Nana has died," she stood with her mouth open.
***
I'm so sorry that you were exposed to such racism and cruelty, growing up, and that your first exposure to Christian beliefs was from someone who apparently didn't practice them. Your grandfather didn't model the teachings of Jesus. He used your wonderful Grandma very poorly. He didn't deserve her, but you knew how priceless she was. I'm sure she always felt your love.
I wish I still had a six star rating left, because your story deserves it.
Comment Written 21-May-2021
reply by the author on 21-May-2021
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Hello Mrs Pizza, Tanka you for da edits and even though it was a terrible time, I thank god for her love and care when we were growing up. Hope you are covid free - had your shot yet? Too many people have had blood clots here - I'll wait til' they get it right. Love, Kay.
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Wow, Kay, that was you? I didn't realize that you wrote that story. If you ever told me that you had Aboriginal roots, I must have forgotten, please forgive me! You were the little girl with the loving father, but I didn't realize that your grandfather was quite the opposite. You must have had a very complex family. It was also very sad and tragic, the way your uncle died as a baby, and I'm sure it weighed heavily on your wonderful grandmother, especially with your grandfather continuing to lay blame on her.
Actually I had Covid-19 very early in the pandemic, over a year ago. I don't want these untested vaccines, either. And I feel very blessed, because according to a research study I enrolled in, I still have strong antibodies in my system, as a result of my Covid-19 infection in March, 2020. My husband, who was also infected and recovered, was not as sick as I was, and does not have strong antibodies, according to these scientists. So unfortunately, he felt he had to get the vaccine. I do understand his choice, because he has heart problems, but I wasn't completely comfortable about it. However, what else could I do? I am very concerned about this very aggressive agenda of vaccinating the whole world, and I hope and pray we don't create a superbug.
We are continuing to wear our masks, anyway, because there is so much we don't understand about this situation. I pray that God will remove this plague from the earth. May He bless you, my friend, and keep you safe.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
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Yep, I wrote the story and yes, my father was beautiful. Grandfather was like Scrooge Mc Duck.He was clever; started off with one corner shop and over the years ended up with 37 shops that he sold off to one of our Supermarkets (still known as Coles today) when he died he only left $3,000 to four of his children, including mum. No one knows what happened to the profits from the shops. I mean, really...what grandpa doesn't acknowledge his grandkids? Not one gift, for my sister and self. Oh, well he's long gone now. Dad learnt a lot from him as he was such a clever man in his workshop. I did revise the story, tanka you. Love, K.
PS: Australia is leading the world in survival rates re covid. It's the few overseas people bringing it in. We are still going ahead with the Tokyo games - I think that is a big mistake. XX
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Thanks for sharing, Kay. It's a real crying shame, about your granddad. Some things can't be explained, totally unfair.
Yes, I have heard that Oz has managed Covid-19 quite well, glory to God. I heard that only recently, a few cases made their way to PNG, your close little neighbor. It probably is a mistake to go ahead with the Tokyo games, there's too much at stake. This pandemic is nothing to play with. It's always a mistake to take it too lightly, but I'll just keep praying!
Stay well! xoxo
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The news today said Tokyo was due for a third wave. Our competitors have been vaccinated but who knows. Japan has millions of people just like India. Did you know the Indians were carrying on bathing in the Ganges for some festival? Shiva doesn't exist, they are heathens except there are Christians. Remember Mother Teresa? Now, that was Jesus all over again. She was made a saint. I say she was a saint before man made her one. XX
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Yes, I believe you're right. A person is a saint by God's standards, not the decree of man. A saint is a sinner saved by grace, through faith in Christ, though not all show it to the degree that Mother Teresa did! I think she will have many jewels in her crown, many rooms in her heavenly mansion... but God sees the heart, so there will be a few surprises in eternity. Your grandmother sounds like she was a saintly woman.
Yes, there are about 5% Christians in India, and I know some of them. I don't think they will be bathing with the others, in the Ganges River.
Since last Thanksgiving, my church has been having cross-cultural services with some amazing people in South Asia, on Zoom, even though our days and nights are kind of reversed. It's been very uplifting.
Third wave in Tokyo? Yikes! Everyone should be careful, these days.
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Our skateboarding team have been eliminated because some were covid positive. They didn't even get to practice. It should be called off. All I can see is move covid. Love, K.
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That's terrible to hear, but I agree with you completely. I'm sure the athletes would rather compete having trained for it all of their lives, but I don't think it's worth it, to spread this disease.
May God bless you and keep you safe my friend. Love, Mary Kay
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I made my own 9" pizza. I prefer it that way because of the diabetes, I know what I put on it and it's not swimming in grease. Are you still in lockdown? I was talking to a friend who's grandkids have been in NYC lock-down for a month! Pity the mother. Today, my state only had one case of covid. :-)
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The restrictions have actually relaxed here, quite a bit, and people are starting to take off their masks, but we aren't. We don't want to let our guard down too much, and then have a lot of people getting sick.
Comment from Iza Deleanu
I don't understand why some men are idiots and don't see the treasures they have under their roof. At least you have experienced her love and kindness. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.
reply by the author on 21-May-2021
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I don't understand why some men are idiots and don't see the treasures they have under their roof. At least you have experienced her love and kindness. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.
Comment Written 21-May-2021
reply by the author on 21-May-2021
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Hello Iza, Thank you for reading. In those early days when I was a child, left bad memories that I will never forget. Especially her death which was not necessary if caught early. Poor lady. K xx
Comment from patcelaw
This is a wonderful non fiction story for the contest. I wish your the best in the contest. May your weekend be blessed.
Patricia
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2021
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This is a wonderful non fiction story for the contest. I wish your the best in the contest. May your weekend be blessed.
Patricia
Comment Written 21-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2021
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Hi Patricia, Hope you are well? Thanks for reading. This coming weekend we celebrate ANZAC day - last year we stood in the driveway with lit candles, this year we can go to the memorial service for the fallen soldiers in all wars. Love, Kay xx
Comment from Pearl Edwards
What acontracdicton the bible in one had absolute rule in the other, sounds like my paternal grandfather, I think alotof the men were like that then. A beautiful story about your Grandmother Kay, well told. Cheers valda
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2021
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What acontracdicton the bible in one had absolute rule in the other, sounds like my paternal grandfather, I think alotof the men were like that then. A beautiful story about your Grandmother Kay, well told. Cheers valda
Comment Written 20-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2021
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Hello Valda, Thanks so much for your review. Glad you enjoyed. Love, Kay.
Comment from Goodadvicechan
This is a sad story. I cant' believe this sort of abusing a woman is real.
Your grandma had a horrible life... It is also sad that her children did not help her to get out of such a horrible life.
Thanks for sharing.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2021
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This is a sad story. I cant' believe this sort of abusing a woman is real.
Your grandma had a horrible life... It is also sad that her children did not help her to get out of such a horrible life.
Thanks for sharing.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 20-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2021
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Life was so different in those days, men ruled the roost. My aunts and uncles were shy of him too. He was a monster. Thanks for reading. Blessings, Kay.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I was so touched by your sad story here and your poor grandmother gave her all to an unappreciative man who disrespected her throughout her life. She earned her place in heaven whereas your grandfather was less than good and is much lower in the pecking order. You opened up to us here and let us into your life and I feel sad that your grandmother was treated so badly and just put up with it. Things were so different back then. A very touching and sensitive write. Love Dolly x
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2021
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I was so touched by your sad story here and your poor grandmother gave her all to an unappreciative man who disrespected her throughout her life. She earned her place in heaven whereas your grandfather was less than good and is much lower in the pecking order. You opened up to us here and let us into your life and I feel sad that your grandmother was treated so badly and just put up with it. Things were so different back then. A very touching and sensitive write. Love Dolly x
Comment Written 20-Apr-2021
reply by the author on 21-Apr-2021
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Hello Dolly, Yes, those days were so different to today - men ruled the roost. I don't know why he chose to marry a black woman. Still all my memories of her are her patience and love for us. I often wonder why good people suffer and people like him get away with cruel behavior. In today's society I guess it would be violence towards women. He never drank liquor, today they rely on it for what we call 'Dutch courage." Thanks my friend, love Kay xx
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I was touched by your story Kay, and I feel sad that your Grandmother was treated so cruelly and it did not stop her from being kind to you all x x x
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We call God, Bahaime, or Great Spirit. I bet she was glad to go home to Him.
Love, Kay XX
