On my cross-country flight home after holding and speaking to my newborn great granddaughter I chose to watch a movie called “The Elephant Queen” depicting the travels and travails of a female herd of African elephants. The focus was on Athena, the oldest, who with intelligence and compassion knew how to guide her her through times of drought and torrential rain.

I came to realize I am now officially the matriarch in my family and like Athena I have responsibilities. In addition to showering this baby girl with love and support I hope to teach her that it’s possible to overcome life’s challenges with knowledge, experience, courage and resilience. May she one day grow to be a matriarch of her future family.

-harriet