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I'm Major Jackson and this is...

I'm Major Jackson and this is the slowdown. Earlier this year, my wife lost her great Aunt Tata. She lived in the mountains of North Carolina until several years ago,

independently and alone.

She was 96 years old, and the matriarch in the family.

Her passing had me think about and the matriarch in the family.

Her passing had me think about formidable elders in my life

who served as a vessel of kinship and connection.

They thought purposely and broadly about and

broadly about family.

Several were not mothers per se,

but inherited a status of regard and influence that made a difference in the lives of multiple generations.

The Teabrau matriarchs in my family made caretaking a defining aspect of their roles.

My grandmother Lucille possessed a spiritual magnetism.

Her pleasant outlook on life, convinced all in her sphere to this belief that no hardship

could extinguish their light.

Grandma Ruby's sharp sense of humor established laughter as the basis of all relationships.

Grandma Rose taught by example that charity and giving are the base principles to construct a meaningful life.

I treasure the elder women in my life for their conscious yet easy-going

...