The Grandmother Who Said “Peter, Paul And Mary Taught Me To Teach My Children Peace”

April 1, 2025

Grandma Doris always had a way of turning everyday moments into unforgettable lessons. Her wrinkled hands would often cradle a steaming cup of herbal tea as she sat in her favorite armchair, the sun spilling through the window and illuminating her gentle smile. It was during one of these quiet afternoons, surrounded by the warmth of her family, that she shared a story that would forever change the way I viewed music and life itself. “Peter, Paul and Mary taught me to teach my children peace,” she said, a magical sparkle in her eyes.

When she was a young mother, the world was chaotic. The 1960s were filled with protests, civil rights movements, and the haunting echoes of war. Grandma Doris was no stranger to the anxiety that cloaked her community. But amidst the unrest, she discovered the music of Peter, Paul, and Mary, three folksingers who became a beacon of hope. Their songs were not just melodies; they were calls for justice, love, and understanding. With their guitars in hand, they sang about the struggles for peace and the beauty of unity. Inspired, she began to sing to her children, teaching them the lyrics that had ignited her spirit.

“Just like their songs, music can heal,” she would tell us, her voice rich with emotion. I remember how she would gather us around the old record player, the soft crackle of vinyl filling the room as we listened to “If I Had a Hammer” and “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” Each note seemed to drift through our hearts like a gentle breeze, soothing and energizing us at the same time. She taught us not only to listen but to understand the messages behind the songs. “Music is a powerful tool,” she emphasized, “it can bring people together when the world tries to tear them apart.”

Decades later, watching my grandmother’s impact unfold was like witnessing the petals of a blooming flower. My siblings and I carried her teachings into our schools, singing those very songs during assemblies and community events. We became advocates for peace in our own right, participating in drives that supported local shelters and peace initiatives. Grandma Doris would grinningly watch us, her heart full of pride as we embraced the spirit of Peter, Paul, and Mary. Their music had become the soundtrack of our lives, weaving through our experiences and guiding our decisions.

As I grew older, I realized the profound influence of her words. They weren’t just about music; they were about resilience. Just like the artists she admired, my grandmother had faced her own battles but had always emerged stronger. She taught us that even in the darkest times, we have the power to choose peace and love. Peter, Paul, and Mary had shown her a path, and she, in turn, illuminated a pathway for us. It became clear that music was not merely entertainment; it was a legacy—the gift of hope passed through generations.

Now, sitting in my own living room, I hold her teachings close to my heart, eager to pass them on to my children. I want them to learn about the world through the lens of music, to recognize the stories in every chord and lyric. Just as Grandma Doris did, I wish to inspire them to sing for peace and to use their voices to uplift others. In the end, it is not just about the notes we play or the songs we sing, but the love and understanding we share. And through that shared harmony, the teachings of Peter, Paul, and Mary will continue to resonate, echoing in our lives for generations to come.