The older we get, the more our roots keep us grounded. That’s why “Roots” is the theme of this issue. I’m not sure younger people have had time to fully appreciate the importance of roots. Let me explain…
The roots on the top of my head is an ongoing concern that I turn over to my hairdresser every four weeks. In a desperate attempt to seem current, I floated the idea of a short, natural look. She said I have “bad gray; not the good kind.” We haven’t discussed it again.
Then there’s gardening and the roots that I cultivate throughout the summer and into fall. A botanical smorgasbord, my plants are always on the move. I shift established perennials a few inches to suit my vision. Others get relocated to the compost pile to serve penance for poor performance. Like my hair, their roots have an appealing impermanence.
I’m wary of the roots that are measured through DNA tests (page 34.) Lots of people have harmless fun finding that they’re more Irish than German, and vice versa. That may account for the popularity of lederhosen on Amazon.
I also know people who discovered first cousins and unexpected grandparents because of long-ago liaisons by now-elderly relatives. No thanks. I’ll keep the family I know — or think I know.
It’s All Relative
That brings me to my recent “Grateful You’re Not Dead” tour. Excuse the irreverence; it’s a family trait that usually gets a laugh from relatives but rarely from outsiders.
I have only a few aunts and an uncle still with us from the original full set. It had been two years since I saw Aunt Connie, my late mother’s only sister. She’s 89, in good health and living in Arizona. I owed her a visit. I owed myself a visit.
My cousin Katy and I flew out for three days. Aunt Connie stays with our cousin Leslie and her husband. Seeing Aunt Connie was the next best thing to being with my mom. We’re planning another trip next year.
That’s the thing about roots and family. They connect us. I’ll replay that visit for a long, long time.
More Roots
Our story on page 36 is about the value of connecting with family at reunions and other events. Our cover story on Ohio City Farm on page 30 shows how refugees have found a home and employment using skills cultivated in countries they’ll probably never see again.
Learn about becoming a Master Gardener on page 28 and keeping up with relatives through technology on page 49. We’ve got you covered, root-wise.
Please take a few minutes to fill out our Boomer Choice Awards ballot on pages 13-14 or on our website at NortheastOhioBoomer.com. Join our Boomer Insider Club while you’re there to get a copy of our September/October issue mailed to your home.
Family reunions, DNA tests, a garden plot or hair salons. It doesn’t matter how you celebrate your roots this summer. Dig in.
~Marie
