gram

i still celebrate you on your special day, in my own quiet way. usually with a glass of wine because you sure did love your chablis. one glass and you were so tipsy. that's one of the things i remember about your later years, when i was old enough to have a glass with you. but it's the memories from my childhood that keep you alive in my heart throughout the year. i bake peach crisp in the summer and with every bite it's like you're right there with me. i keep a jar of maraschino cherries in my refrigerator. i love driving through the mountains. i look for seashells on the beach. i know to keep some lumps in the pancake mix. i love a good card game. i play christmas carols and love christmas eve more than christmas. i scream and yell at the tv during michigan football games. i love peonies. i wear the initial of my married name around my neck. i take my children to the library. i believe in myself.

thank you for being such a major influence in my life. you were everything a grandma should be and more. you live on in me.

happy birthday, gram.