matriarchy: A social system in which mother's are the heads of their families, clans, or tribes.
Today's word is in honor of my grandmother, Margaret, who passed away in her sleep last night at the age of 93. She was a true matriarch in our family, not passing down judgements but blessings. If a new grandchild or great-grandchild was born into the family, not two weeks would pass before the family would make the pilgrimage to Bargersville, Indiana, to introduce that child to "Grandma Margie" and, essentially, to get her blessing upon the child.
She was respected and loved, in the community and in her family. The family won't be the same without her.