handsful

Last weekend, we had the privilege of traveling a few hours east to attend my grandma’s 90th birthday party. In this last year, she’s become more frail. She’s now living in a wonderful assisted living home, since she can no longer care for herself.

But, her mind is sound and she’s just as beautiful as ever.

About 80 some family members gathered to celebrate. Some I’d not seen in many, many years. That was a blessing to her and to the rest of us, too.

One of my favorite parts was looking at ALL the old photos. People brought in albums with photos of grandma as a child, teen, young married woman, and on and on. We laughed at our weird hair dos, 70’s clothing, and noticed how all the old shots were posed behind their cars. I absolutely love looking at my history.

Love the “90” balloon! And, the goofy grin on her face! That’s my mom in the pink and white shirt…she and my Aunt Gail arranged and planned the whole party. It was a lot of work, I’m sure, but oh how we appreciated it!

Grandma has had a hard life, and a great life. Married at the age of 15. She lost my granddaddy years ago, when my dad was just a teen. She married again, and lost him very soon after. Most of her life has been lived alone, but she’s always been surrounded by many friends and always family.

All of her children came…that’s my dad, 2nd from the left.

We were only missing one of her grandkids.

And a couple of great grands weren’t there. But, this is the first time that some of these kids have ever met. Ever.

Wonder what her wish was? And, I hope I inherit her gorgeous white hair. Softest hair ever. Dylan kept trying to play with it! She thought that was a hoot.

My favorite memories of her are when I had sleepovers at grandma’s house. We lived just down the road, so I spent a lot of time with her. She would always give me one of her pretty nightgowns to sleep in, and safety pin them so they’d fit. Her home was heated by coal, and the grate was in the hallway…I still remember how warm it was standing over that! Days were spent watching baseball games from the tree in her backyard (the fence looked down onto the little league field!) or climbing the tree in the front yard.

And, oh my, could she COOK. Chicken pastry, her creamy boiled potatoes, and chocolate pie to die for.

You are a treasure, Grandma, and I’m so glad that we could show you that on your special day.

Love, your granddaughter
Donna