08/15/2024
Don’t let the sweet grandmotherly faces fool you. Behind their lovable demeanor, these three ladies are a force of nature. They are the rocks of their families. They are wonderful examples of what it means to give back to your community through their countless selfless acts of giving. They have been fierce protectors when necessary, ardent voices for those who can’t stand up for themselves, and the ones who have ensured that traditions and values are carried on from one generation to the next.
For over fifty years they have been celebrating each other’s birthdays together (which is what they were getting together for when this photo was taken).
In those 50+ years they have celebrated other special occasions in each other’s lives, and supported each other through the lows that life can bring. They have been there for each other through their marriages, raising children, and cooking countless meals together for family, friends, and anyone in need. They have shared joy at the weddings of each other’s children, as well as when welcoming the additions of grandchildren and great grandchildren. But they have also supported each other through tragic loss…the loss of children, spouses, and other family members.
Two of them would be considered “Old Ocala”, with roots going back generations. One of them wasn’t born or raised here, but ever since she and her family arrived here back in the 60’s, their impact on the community is far reaching and just as deep as if they had been here for generations as well.
I wanted to shine a light on these women because they never want the spotlight on themselves. They are always humble about their significant contributions to their families and our town. Whether it was in establishing and growing a business, or in land development, construction, cattle ranching, politics, the arts, the medical community, education, or various community services, all three ladies have helped in ways big and small to shape our town into what it is today.
They are also representative of the many women around us who have so much life experience that we know nothing about because we don’t take the time to ask them about their lives.
If you did, you would learn how they are leaders in their own way, as well as mentors and great examples of how to navigate life with grace, strength, compassion, humor, kindness, and courage.
They are your older next door neighbor, the grandmotherly figure you see in the grocery store, or in church on Sunday’s. They could even be your own elderly aunt or grandmother that you only think of as your loving relative, never knowing the struggles they have overcome, the wonderful experiences they had when they were younger, or the many life lessons they have learned along the way.
Too many people look to social media, celebrities, or sports figures as their guideposts, not realizing some of the best role models are the older people in their own family, neighborhood, or town. They are indeed women who are wiser than us, who have so much to offer. You can learn so much about yourself, your family, and your community that you never knew before if you just take the time to talk to them, ask them questions about their life, and listen to their stories.
Spending some time with these three ladies was a real treat for me. The stories they tell could entertain you for hours. Knowing their individual and collective life history is inspiring. I’m lucky to know them and learn from them, and blessed to have them as family and friends.
We have the opportunity to give these special women gifts on their birthdays, but being able to celebrate them everyday is a gift we give ourselves. 🩷🩷🩷
(L-R: Jo Foster, Charlene Drake, Judy Chambers)
