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Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma!

Today is my maternal grandmother's 90th birthday! What a long and wonderful life she has had. She was born to a poor farming family in rural Arkansas where she grew up picking strawberries and cotton, but with a loving family.


She met my grandpa when she was just 12 or 13 while he was dating her older sister. He insisted that she came along on all their dates, then he dumped the older sister as soon as she was old enough to date. Hearing my grandma tell that story was always so funny.

She married him, the love of her life, at 17 and they had a beautiful family of 7--of which my mother was the middle child.
(my mother is the baby in here)

They were happily married through all kinds of life trials for over 60 years, until my grandpa passed away in 1999. She's really been sort of lost since he's been gone.

Grandma is an incredible cook! Her homemade rolls are the best and of course she never used a written recipe for anything. She also is a wonderful quiltmaker. Her intricate stitches are amazing!! And all of her quilts were always done entirely by hand. Sadly, time has robbed her memory and she suffers from dementia. She no longer remembers how to cook or sew. Today there will be a small celebration with her 7 children at her assisted living facility, since large celebrations now confuse and upset her. And all of our family gatherings are large since she has 7 children, 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren--no to mention all the spouses that are in there, too! I wish I were close enough to go by for a visit, even though she doesn't remember my name anymore. She always remembers my face (or so it seems) and loves to have the company. I pray that she has a lovely day!
Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma!

I love you!

Comments

Kari said…
90 years really kinda takes your breath away, doesn't it?
Kayren said…
My grandma turned 93 this year and she suffers from some dementia. Sometimes she seems to know what is going on, but she had a stroke a few years ago and her speech has suffered some also. She is still able to live at home because there are people who are able to stay with her and take care of her. She only had two children though...my mom and my aunt...so we have a relatively small family compared to yours. You've encouraged me to do a post about my grandparents because your post was just so sweet. I had a special relationship with them. But it will have to wait until I can find pictures...

Have a great Sunday!

~ Kayren
Nancy said…
What a sweet story and beautiful pictures! I think I remember meeting your grandma when we were in college and I went home with you. (I'm sure I met her many other times, but that one really stuck out for some reason.) You are blessed to have such a wonderful heritage!
Wow! 90! I cant even imagine. I am so sorry that she is suppering from such a terrible illness. But I pray she has a wonderful day!

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