Letter to my Grandma on her 94th year.

Grandma's birthday is on January 5, 2014 -- she will be 94 (a feat in itself.) My sister compiled a book of letters to Grandma to share what she meant to us all.  This is my submission.

Grandma and I in 1979 and The Guy, Grandma and I in 2009

Dear Grandma,

I was your first grandchild, born to Ella. Mom used to tell me how happy you were to have a granddaughter and how you doted on me. If you look at the picture, you will see we even dressed alike.

I have to admit my memories of you in my childhood revolve around food. I remember the ham you made that was so good I wanted to eat it all. I remember you making us Dough Dogs for special occasions. I remember travelling with you and Grandpa when I was little and I know how lucky I was. I am sure I saw more of the country than I realize and it was all because of you.

It wasn't until I was more grown up that I got to know you better as a real person and not just my Grandma.  I was lucky enough to stay with you every time we were at church camp. You let all my friends come spend time in your house and you always treated us like adults. You sat and talked, you laughed, you caught up on who was dating whom.  I loved staying at your place and how easy you made it for me. I loved getting to know you better - whether while doing dishes or puzzles or visiting with the steady stream of visitors who dropped by. 

I get my love of words from you I am sure. You are the only person I know who reads as much and as passionately as I do.  I love that you taught us to love books and encouraged us to read.  I love playing Scrabble, doing crosswords, word puzzles, and playing Boggle because of your love for words.

You showed me that to love someone was to serve them. Your giving heart always took care of the people around you. I am always in awe of how much you gave to others just by making sure they were included, well fed, and listened to.  You were a true role model -- someone I wish I was more like.  You worked hard your whole life to make sure everyone else was taken care of and I know how difficult it has been allowing others to care for you.

I am honoured I have gotten to be more a part of your life in the last few years. I miss my monthly visits to your home and wish our phone calls were more regular. But I am so grateful for all the time I've been able to spend with you and wish I had taken advantage of that when I was young too.  I love your sense of humour, how you will tease and be teased with such dry wit. I am glad you haven't lost that part of you even when you feel you've lost so much else.

I love you so, my Grandma. You are the type of woman I would be if I could.

Love, Bronwyn