Happy Birthday Gramma!

Dear Gramma,

Before you were GG to our kids, you were Gramma to us. But the love is still the same. I love watching you with our kids; your great-grandkids - and I remember what it was like to grow up right beside you and Grampa. We were luckier than any two grandkids could ever be. We had the entire world at our fingertips to explore (or at least ten acres) and you to lead us through it.

You were always there after school, waiting for us to get off the bus. I can't tell you how much we looked forward to brushing off the school day as we took off our coats and dived into the snacks you had ready for us. I remember all the baking, and crafts and effort you poured into us. We might not have understood it then, but thank you for all your mentoring and coaching on homework and school projects and the much debated Practising of the Piano.

I loved the long summer days we would spend with you. The endless sun drenched days spread out before us eternally to September. Sleeping in the tent, joyfully not practising piano (all that much) and eating copious amounts of french toast - always prepared when demanded without a word of complaint. Playing outside on the slip and slide while you manned the hose. Being forced to wear sunscreen when I would rather not. Being booted outside when having spent too much time inside the house watching cartoons. I look back now and realize how much I enjoyed and loved every minute.

I have the fondest memories of your birthdays growing up. It always felt so festive, and a great prelude to Dustin's birthday as well. Usually the weather had taken a turn for spring and was most welcome after the long winter. I loved having the family get together, playing outside with the cousins. And the cake of course, and usually chinese food too. But mostly I loved being with you on your birthday.

Remember the year you turned 60 and there was a sign by the road to tell people to honk at you? That was really funny and I remember how much you enjoyed that.

I feel sad that we haven't been able to take part in your birthday as much these past few years. It really is true what they say about having a family and responsibilities. Sometimes (or a lot of times) work and kids get in the way, but I thought a lot about you today as I went about my chores and caring for my little family. I hope to get together soon to celebrate though!

Today was the first truly magnificent sunny day of spring, most fitting for a much loved Gramma. I just want to say how much I love you, and ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMA!!

Love,

Kryssy