The Women's History Month project - Day #3
Meet Tammy, 58, a wife, a mother, and a Mimi to six amazing little people.
At 58 years young, she's spent six decades of learning by seeing the world through other's lives and experiences - allowing them to enrich hers in so many ways.
Tammy grew up on a farm in Central Maine along with two younger siblings and an extended family that included both her grandparents and great grandparents being close by. The life-long lessons she learned from caring for animals, gardening, rebuilding after a fire, and the closeness she shared with her elders helped guide her through adolescence, parenting, and her educational/career choices.
Following High School, instead of heading onto college, she married and gave birth to a son, then a daughter who filled the following years with love, laughter, hockey practices, dance lessons, plays, and sleepovers. In order to do what she loved best – being a mom – she held various part-time jobs and began to seek ways to establish her identity. Who was she? Where would she be in twenty years when her children left home? What were her strengths?
Her thirties were about growth and self-identity when she became a single mom, enrolled in college at the urging of her grandfather, and met her soul-mate. Heading back to school with both kids in middle school was challenging, while at the same time it showed them that it’s never to late to learn. After four years of night school, multiple papers, and tests she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Business Administration. A second marriage brought about a new set of challenges when she gained another son and daughter – think Brady Bunch without Alice. It took a while to understand the dynamics of a blended family and each one’s roles. Patience and respect were tested, tried, and learned.
Tammy embraced turning forty as she began a career at the State of Maine, working with underserved populations and communities throughout the state. Living in her protective bubble she hadn’t traveled much beyond her community and became enlightened to the level of poverty in Maine; those living in sub-standard housing, those without running water, and those with food insecurity. Meeting these families and those who selfishly gave their time and energies to improve their communities brought about an awareness of gratefulness; being grateful for every day that granted her the security to live in a safe environment. During this decade of realization and gratefulness, Tammy became a grandmother.
Turning fifty brought about a sense of wonder, as Tammy gained five more grandchildren and began to see the world through the eyes of a child while relishing in their imaginations and inquisitive spirits. This new role of Mimi became a time of setting examples and giving sound advice. On a professional level, she transitioned to Program Manager of the Maine Made Program https://www.mainemade.com/; assisting Maine artisans and makers with marketing and market expansion – understanding each one’s needs, developing a vast network of creatives to form a community, and having a great appreciation for the passions one puts into each piece they create. During this time she and her husband found their forever home where they enjoy entertaining family and friends throughout the seasons.
Sixty is on the horizon. Tammy looks forward to this decade as another period of unknowns and adventure. When will she retire? What happens next? Will beekeeping be a success? Maybe she’ll take her wine making skills to a new level? No matter what, she’ll embrace this time with grace and appreciation for all that she has learned along the way.
Another one of Tammy's favorite quotes:
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
(Oprah Winfrey)
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Kennebec Cabin Company - From the Woodshed 310 - Tammy Knight, Maine Made
Watch the video interview between the Maine Cabin Masters and Tammy Knight. And don't forget to like and subscribe. Your support is much appreciated!
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Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your journey with us all!
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