Grandmother’s Grandaughter: Mountains Do NOt Rise Without Earthquakes

October 5, 2020

“Now every time I witness a strong person, I want to know: What dark did you conquer in your story? Mountains do not rise without earthquakes.” - Katherine MacKenett

My acupuncturist posted this quote today, and it was so timely bc it also happens to be my grandma’s 91st birthday. She is the strongest most resilient warrior I know, and I love her x infinity. She survived turmoil, war, and genocide—packed up whatever belongings she had, left her home country with her kids (grandpa was optional lol, he almost chose to stay behind and ma was like you do you boo but I’m getting outta here) and finally found refuge here in America. She is super smart and resourceful and learned to sew, throw pottery, make crafts, barter...pretty much you name it and my grandma can do it. She played a huge role in raising me. One funny memory of my childhood was when I had asked for cereal, and we ran out of milk so my grandma thought that I wouldn’t notice if she used Sunny Delight instead lol. I noticed.

I’ve said this before, but in my healing work I faced a lot of my intergenerational traumas head on. I used to think whyyyyy did I have to inherit so much anger and pain from so many past generations? But then I remember that trauma is not the only thing I inherited. I also inherited resiliency, strength, empathy, compassion, LOVE (so much of it), gratefulness, kindness, beauty, and power.

I’m definitely my grandmother’s granddaughter. I’m so proud and honored to be given this gift...to get to love and be loved by this warrior woman.