93 Years Young

This has to be one of the sweetest sights, and I believe it's why my Grandma Ruth is still with us. I think she wonders why she's still around and what's left for her to do in life, but holding one more great grandchild (a deliciously cute one at that) seems as good a reason as any for her to stick around.

Yesterday Grandma was surrounded by a good deal of her family and celebrated her 93rd birthday. She told me only a few days earlier that she thought she would be alone for her birthday....fat chance. Even I was surprised by how good a turnout there was. I think the last time I saw so many of my cousins was three years earlier at Grandma's 90th birthday party. As my dad mentioned to me later that night, it's always good for family to be able to come together for something other than a funeral.

Usually for Grandma's birthday, my parents would take her to lunch and plant flowers. Since they couldn't be with us, I thought it would be nice for us to do the same for Grandma. We had a little potluck lunch her house, and later several of us pitched in and filled the flowerbeds with what will hopefully be some beautiful flowers in a couple of weeks. Grandma's face lit up when she found out they were all planted.

Even though Grandma has a difficult time hearing anything in a group setting, I could see the happiness on her face as she was greeted by family and watched the celebration. These past few birthdays of hers have been especially sweet, and I'm grateful for each one. I know Grandma's time is running out, as she often likes to remind me, and her birthday is a great opportunity for her family to let her know how much she's loved in a big way.

My heart lifts each time I walk in the door and find Grandma there to greet me with the most loving and genuine smile, and it sinks whenever it's time to leave her. Life at her age is precious, and I'm reminded of that during each of our visits.

I love this woman so very much!