My Grandmother

My grandma turned 90 this summer.  I've been thinking a lot about her since that time.  I've been thinking about all of the good times I had at her house when I was young, of all the noise in her house, of all the delicious food she makes, of her kind heart that helps out anyone in need, of the stories of her childhood, of her love of Jesus, and of her love of her family.

I have so many memories from my grandparent's house in DuBois.  I remember walking into their house and always smelling something wonderful cooking.  I remember eating lots and lots food and washing lots and lots of dishes.  I remember a big garden and fields of popcorn.  I remember cats wondering around outside the house, although no one claimed to like them.  I remember card games being played around the kitchen table and sometimes over the top of the kitchen table.  When I think of my grandparents house in DuBois, I think of laughter, loudness, a few swear words, but mostly love and happiness.  I think of family!

I also remember many hours of fun playing with my cousins when I was at my grandparent's house.  I remember playing "The Price is Right" - I think I was always Bob Barker somehow :)   I remember making up shows that we preformed for our parents.  I remember walking to the park in DuBois and not being able to leave because our younger cousins were having too much fun.  I remember some kind of water fight that the older cousins had that I somehow missed out on.

I recall other fun times away from their home.  I remember fishing on sunny days.  I remember a camping trip that involved a raccoon stealing a loaf of bread from my grandparent's tent.  I remember my grandmother giving me a beautiful quilt at my high school graduation. 

When I think of my grandmother, I think of her heart.  I remember spending a week at my grandparents house and my grandmother comforting me after I found out my dog had been injured while I had been away.  I remember her caring for foster kids as her own.  I remember her caring for Grandpa Walt as if he were her family.  I love how my grandmother thinks of others before herself! 

I remember hearing stories of my grandmother's childhood and hearing how different it was from mine.  I remember her telling me about her loving mother, which wasn't all that different from mine. 

When I think of my grandmother, I think of her faith.  Since I was young, it has been evident that she loves Jesus and that she will not sacrifice anything for her faith.  Her faith has carried her through all the tough times in her life and added to the joy of the happy times. 

So, as we near Thanksgiving, I want to tell you Grandma, that I am so thankful for you!  I am so thankful for all of the fun times I spent at your house, for the stories you have told, and for the love you have shown! I am thankful for the life lessons I have learned from you.  I am so proud to call you my grandmother!  I LOVE YOU!!