corner view~good memories

The year is 2006.  We are gathered in a small rural town in Pennsylvania for my maternal grandmother's 100th birthday.  My parents and siblings are there with most of their families.  My aunt, uncle, and cousins have come as well as another aunt and uncle from my father's side of the family.  We are six months early from Christmas day, when Grandma actually turns 100.  But this is the time when most of the family, who are spread out all over the country, can gather.  My grandmother has never been demanding and this time is no different.  She is so happy to see us all.    

We are in the nursing home where she lives, in a large room that my mother has reserved for the occasion.  It is by no means fancy, but that matters little to the people gathered there.  They are there to honor and love my grandmother, who was the epitome of grace.  Much like my mother, whose name means grace, by the way.

The above photo was a moment I captured on film that day when my oldest child made my brother laugh  -- two first borns making a connection through humor.  I don't know what she said, but he liked it.

On that day there was food and music and stories were told.  There were lots of hugs and kisses and laughter.  Photos were taken.  Gifts were given.  Friends came.  We stayed the day.  My grandmother's photo was in the local newspaper soon thereafter, a picture with then baby Shawn reaching up to her.   The photograph accompanied a very nice story about Grandma and her life's accomplishments. After all, not too many people live to be 100, and she was a long time beloved teacher in this small town.

Grandma died after she turned 100, about a year after the party to celebrate her life. My brother, pictured above, is a doctor.  He had told her years before, when she was in her eighties, "Grandma you're so healthy you'll live to be a hundred!" She believed him.

She was such a great lady.  She encouraged us and welcomed us at every visit, and supported my parents in every way.  She was always helping her friends and neighbors.  She loved to crochet and made most of the gifts she gave to us. She was gentle and kind, but a little stern.  We were expected to behave around her, but we did, we loved her so.  

Now there are even more great grandchildren in the family than there were in 2006. This summer many of us will reunite.  I am excited.  I miss my family. Thank goodness for good memories!

        Grandma with my mom and uncle