Happy Birthday Granny

As I sat at my desk cradling a hot caramel apple cider, I realized it was 11/19/2025. You would've been 105 years old had time not run out. There have been so many times over the last years I find myself smiling at some crazy shenanigan involving you, The one I seem to laugh at the most is you coaching me in driving. OMG, who lets a blind woman tell them how to drive? Apparently, me! You never failed to know when I was speeding or crossed the Indiana border. Even today I can hear you say there's a big truck coming, you need to be in the right lane. For the record, Granny, I am still a lousy highway driver.

Then there was the time, the one of many, Tegan hid under a table a refused to answer when you called him. I couldn't believe my precious boy could be that devious. You wanted to prove to me what he was doing. I pretended to leave the house and hid where he couldn't see me. Boy, did I get a different view of my precious boy. When you called him, he hid under the table with the most devilish grin. He had discovered you couldn't see him . Damn, my free babysitting days ended just like that.

The last one we will remember today involves your "Italian Stallion". I'm not sure you were ever aware of this one. But it still makes me chuckle. We (Mom, Tegan, Caleb and I) were visiting you at that less than stellar nursing home. We walked by an old woman sitting in a wheelchair. She wore a pretty blue gown and her hair was nicely done. She looked at Caleb, raised her crooked finger at him, "Boy, you need to go find your family. They is not your family. You are white and they is black" That boy was so pissed. When we found you in the dining room he whispered in my ear, "I wanted to flick that old woman off. I am black!" The child wanted to battle an old woman over his race. You would have been so proud and laughed so hard had dementia not stolen you.

When I look at my boys it feels like you infused yourself into them. Your mantra to both boys was a man must always have money in his pocket. They took that to heart. They both have always worked hard and managed money way better than me! You would be so proud and amazed by Tegan Lee. Yes, he still has his dad head. However, Tegan is about 6'2. Go figure! Who knew? We spent that time prepping him to be smaller than average and he was beyond confident he was going to be tall. He was right. The boy has a good heart with a strong business mind. Tegan is still the traditionalist. He is committed to honoring family traditions. He reminds me at times admonishes me to make sure we are connecting with everyone. He has a beautiful smart wife. She absolutely fits this family. She's a spitfire with a mouth that would make you and Ruth proud. She is good for him.

Caleb or CJ as you called him had the least amount of time with you but seems to embody so much of you. He shares so many of your characteristics, behaviors and shenanigans. He's a hustler, legal...I think. :). He's quick with a smile and always thinking of ways to make more money. You loved his hair before he grew it out. You would absolutely love it now. Long spirally curls mostly black with hints of brown. Caleb has blessed this Crew with his mini me, Armani. This baby is so good! I keep waiting for the screaming newborn. He smiles and loves to talk He and I are a perfect match! I know you know I love to talk. Granny, I am so in love with this boy.

And then there is me. As you know I was a late bloomer in figuring this life out. At times it can still perplex the hell out me but I got it. When I whispered in your ear it was ok because I go it. I was bluffing. But now I do have it. Thank you for all the lessons I thought were stupid or didn't apply to me! They applied and then some. "Have pride in yourself. People will treat you how you will let them treat you. Always have your own bank account. Wiggle your hips a little when you walk ." They made no sense at first but each has proven true, including ones not discussed here. You were right! And no I'm not rolling my eyes when I said it!

As I am settling into my maturity I have learned to accept me. I realize writing is my favorite form of communication. I still love romance. I think the Harlequin Romance's ruined me. White horses are still my favorite, however, now I love them all. You were right. I am too lazy to own a horse. Mucking stalls, brushing hair and all the other necessities are not for me. I will continue to book horseback riding excursions. The fun without the work.

Your love of cooking has definitely continued to thrive. You and Nana planted the seeds and they are flourishing. Both boys and I enjoy cooking so much. It is very much our love language. I hear your voice coming out of my mouth as I tell the boys to clean the kitchen as you go. You'll be happy to know I finally understand the need to clean the kitchen as I go. It does make it easier. I even close the cabinet doors now. When on occasion I find I have left one open I laugh out loud. So many times you would tell me they were going to throw dirt in my face when I died because I was going to forget to close my casket. It is less likely but still very possible.

Bottom line, we are doing well. We make mistakes and try to grow from them. I miss you! I make sure to share your crazy stories and wild phrases. "Don't come in the house late because I can hear a cat pissing on cotton" doesn't have the same effect. It can get a cock-eyed look. But "it's colder than a witch's tit" can get elicit a smile.

Wait, one more thing. Those crazy boys I spawned have started calling me "Granny" since Baby Armani was born. I'm not ready to be "Granny" yet. While vanity may have some part in it, I feel that title is yours. You were the GOAT!

Rest in Peace knowing we got this!