a very happy 80th birthday

Today is my grandma’s 80th birthday (it’s also my manager’s birthday, but she is nowhere near 80, so we won’t focus on her too much.)

If you’ve ever met my grandma, you’d realize that she doesn’t act her age. She’s active and so busy with church, her garden, the Master Gardener friends she’s made over the years and volunteering. I know better than to think I can call her at any time of day and find her at home (except after dinner, when you’ll find her watching ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy!’)

It’s been a busy few weeks for our family, with the passing of my grandpa compounded with a few big days, like Mother’s Day and now grandma’s 80th birthday. My grandma has surprised me with just how strong she is.

She’s spry. And so brutally honest. (Sometimes too honest for me, but that’s kind of what I love about my family. There’s no holding back.) And she’s not one to take crap from people.

We ultimately grew up next door to my grandparents – and then down the street from them. We spent a lot of time at their house after school, and I still spend a good amount of time there – though I’m not doing homework. Instead, I’m stopping in to chat or get gardening advice.

I hope I’m a lot like my grandma when I’m 80. Or even when I’m 60. Heck, I’d even like to be like her when I’m 40. To have half of her energy.

So happy birthday to one of the coolest women I know (and I happen to be related to.) 🙂