So Much To Say

Last weekend we were in Virginia, sharing Mother's Day with my Gramma Kimble.  It was her 95th birthday and I was lucky enough to share it with her.

We met at Rita's for tons of great food and family time.

Gram had so much to say.  Above all else?  She wanted to say how happy she is, how grateful.  She says nobody has it better than she does, nobody is happier than she is.  She has it made and she is deeply appreciative, she says. 

Gram has not had an easy, cushy life....she has been through some hard times.  Do you hear her looking back on any of that?  Nope. She says she has had a wonderful life.  And she is focused on right now, right here, TODAY, and how great things are at this moment. 

She also talked about how important it is to stay active and busy, doing whatever you can.  She said, "I can't crochet like I used to last year, or five years ago, or ten years ago.  It takes me FOREVER to make one single stitch.  But I can still do it. And I do.  Because what is the alternative?  Just sit there and do nothing?  Why would you live like that?  It's important to keep your mind active and to USE it."

She reads for hours each night.  She still crochets blankets and quilts blankets and she and Rita give most of them away to Project Linus.  She pays attention to the folks in her building and she knows their names and makes friends with them.  She is extremely current and can talk to you about any topic...politics, sports, the economy.

And she makes it clear she doesn't want to live to be a hundred.  She says when people tell her, "you'll live to be a hundred!" she says, "bite your tongue!"  She says she doesn't want to be one of those ancient people who have lost their sense of humour and do nothing but sit and scowl all day.

She really is one in a million and I'm so lucky to have her in my life.

Aside from spending time with Gram, the trip was a lot of fun for many reasons....getting to see Karen, Cole, and Carter.  A visit from Eydie and Mikey and Corey.  A quick visit to Williamsburg and getting some lovely pictures of beautiful gardens. (more of those pictures to come later this week.)  Time with Marty to slow down and relax and be together.  Good food, good weather, and fun.

Happy Birthday, Gram!