Watching Aretha Franklin perform just before President Obama took the oath of office on Tuesday brought tears to my eyes. I'm a sentimentalist through and through and I was definitely wearing my emotions on my sleeve that day.Not only did I feel that her performance was powerful, moving, and extremely appropriate, but everything about it reminded me of my Grandma Elaine Hofman and how much I look up to her, love her and miss her!
I caught myself thinking about how Grandma would have appreciated the moment if she were alive.
Grandma would have appreciated and been excited about the setting -- the Inauguration of America's first black (not to mention Democrat!) president. My Grandma served her community and state in so many ways and was always actively involved in the political process. As Special Assistant to Idaho State Governor John Evans for 3 years, as Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Richard Stallings, and as a State Representative in the Idaho State Legislature Democratic seat for 6 years, my grandma embodied what Hubert Humphries described the purpose of government as being..."the moral test of government is how it treats those in the dawn of life - the children, those in the twilight of life - the elderly, and those in the shadows of life - the sick, the needy and the handicapped." My grandma worked for the betterment of these individuals and did a good job at it!
Grandma would have appreciated the song that was song by Aretha Franklin -- "My Country 'tis of Thee." Once, when Grandma was serving as the Special Assistant to Governor John Evans, the governor was unable to speak at a regional AARP conference and she couldn't find anyone to replace him. Therefore, the responsibility fell on her. In one long night, she created her patriotic program "I Am an American." Included in this program was the singing of many patriotric songs that Grandma loved and held dear to her heart. She eventually had these songs put to CD and would hand them out during Independence Day.
Grandma would have appreciated the voice of Aretha Franklin -- a voice rich, beautiful, and full of life and emotion. My grandm's voice was just that kind of voice and she used it to benefit the lives of so many around her. In 1963, Grandma woke up to practice a song at the piano, but when she went to sing, she had no voice. She thought it was just laryngitis, but it was much more serious. Grandma received a priesthood blessing and was promised that she would indeed sing again and use her voice for righteousness. She was unable to sing for three years. When she finally regained the strength to sing like she had done before, Grandma did use her voice for righteousness. She sang patriotic songs for her country, she sang hymns of comfort at the funerals of friends and family, she sang in city musicals and community functions, she sang at each of her grandchildren's baptisms. Her beautiful voice comforted and uplifted many.
And yes, I think my Grandma would have liked even the outfit -- I don't remember my Grandma Hofman necessarily wearing an outfit comparable to Aretha's, but her hat definitely reminded me of my Grandma's mother (my great-grandma Venna Smart) and the many beautiful hats she wore. She looked classy, and my Grandma was all about being classy!
Grandma Hofman, I love you a bushel and a peck!
