I had the good fortune to grow up in the midst of those who were “elder.” I was an only child with a mother who was both indifferent and terrified of being a mother, and she needed all the help she could get. Two grandmothers, one from each side of the family, moved in to see what they could do to provide support and comfort for this young girl with the cherubic face, strawberry blond curls, and bright blue eyes. They helped pay for my wardrobe, provided their beautiful houses where I could come and be treated royally, showered me with presents on all the right occasions, taught me some etiquette, and ultimately paid for my private school education.
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