All I can do is pray that I live to see my children grow old. And, it may surprise you that I do pray this almost every day. 

Yesterday my family gathered to celebrate my Granny’s (great grandma) 99^th birthday! How fortunate are we to celebrate the life of someone who we love and who has been blessed to be on this earth for 99 years. Can you imagine!?! 

Granny was born in 1917. I don’t know everything about her. I wish I did. Yesterday as I sat at her birthday party I looked at her and I realized how I wish I had sat down with her and listened to stories of her life. At that moment I craved to know as much as I possibly could. But pulling memories from her heart isn’t an easy task right now.

This is what I do know. Granny was the mother to four children – two girls and two boys. They each grew up to live successful, happy and fulfilled lives. She was divorced when her children were still growing up. After her divorce she worked very hard to provide for her children, raise them properly and provide them with a good foundation. Later she did the best she could to be a good grandmother. And then when my brother and I came along she was an even better great grandma! 

When I was a single mom (not too long ago), I don’t know if Granny realized how much I admired her for the example she is. My Granny is a strong women who I am proud to have in my life. During a time when women were frowned upon for divorce, for being single and for raising their children alone, she did. During a time when women didn’t work outside of the home, didn’t own their own homes and property, and didn’t make the major household decisions, she did.

When my brother and I were growing up, he was (and still is) her favorite. And that’s ok. I was always watching from a distance. And he needed the kind of love she could give. I am thankful for the examples she has demonstrated in her long life. I am thankful to be a part of it still today.

My granny still has four children, she has 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren and tons of people who love her very much!

Happy 99^th Birthday Granny! I can't wait to celebrate your 100th birthday next year <3