In my 24 years, I have learned four very important things about you (many more, but 4 KEY things). Number one, you are the most stubborn woman I have ever met. You lived on your own in that old, broken down house and wouldn't let us move you until a few years ago. You didn't let anyone drive your car, ever...although we tried! When we did finally move you (after countless hours) into a beautiful apartment, you didn't seem exactly thrilled. You held silly grudges and I do remember when you wouldn't give me a hug one time at church because you probably mad at Grandma for a silly reason. Number two, under the stubborn exterior, you actually had the biggest heart. You treated each of your 5 granddaughters the same. Although we tried (with countless $50 bills) to portray otherwise, your granddaughters were ALWAYS treated with the EXACT same amount of love. I remember you always got frustrated with us when Aunt Audrey would read her Christmas card "to the BEST Granddaughter in the entire world", when it actually didn't say that. I get now that they only did it, because you always did treat them just exactly the same. For 5 granddaughters, I am sure that is not an easy thing to do. You loved your 15 great-grandchildren the same, never missing a birthday. I always looked forward to your cards the most (and the discontinued $2 note). You even found room for 3 great-great-grandchildren!! Not many people will be blessed with the gift to love as much as you did - I am so grateful for you simply because of your big heart. Number three (and probably the most important) you raised the BEST woman in my life: my grandma. She is without a doubt such a strong woman and one that I look up to and respect more than she will ever know. Finally, the fourth important thing I learned about you, is that you are stronger than life. I did not ONCE think about my life without you. You were just always going to be there. Nothing could conquer you. The day I heard you had "a few weeks to 6 months" it just seemed like the doctor must have told the wrong person.
We had a lot of fun with you, Granny - pictures to prove it! You were always up for entertaining us. From calling my dad "Ran" to letting us take a picture of you "drinking" wine at Becky's wedding and then immediately telling us we "can't show anyone"...the $50 bill joke never even got old with you, or the "movie star lingerie".
Don't worry, I will promise to share every moment of the Royal Wedding experience with you. Your 100th birthday will be a celebration as well - it was a big goal of yours, and nothing should stand in the way of your goals.
Thank you for teaching me the vastness of the heart, and just how much love it can contain. Oh ya, the gloves and scarf have kept me warm on my walks to school. I wear the hat when I am cycling at night - its perfect to fit under my helmet.
I hope that you will forgive me for not being able to attend the official celebration of your life. It was my pleasure to have taken the "over 4000 miles trip" to visit with you instead a month ago.
It's time to rest now, Gran. I will miss you...I do miss you, but seriously, have a rest. There is enough love here to comfort us and preserve the memories.
Great-Grandma - not many people my age can say that they knew theirs. How lucky am I?
Cheers Gran.
Love,
Emily - your FAVORITE great-granddaugher :)
