80

My beautiful grandmother turned 80 yesterday. How lucky am I that I have been gifted with her presence in my life so far. She is full of love for her children, grandchildren and great-grand children (and sometimes her husband....lol) She is a God-loving woman who to this day still pushes herself to cook and clean though her body tries to tell her to slow down. She has had a full life to far, she grew up during WWII, lost a brother in that war, lost her mom in her 20's, then became a mom twice, worked hard to provide for her family and extended family, left her country of origin to come to a new country to give her family a better life. She has suffered the loss of a grandchild, numerous family members and friends and has rejoiced in the lives of the new souls coming into the family. She quietly battled breast cancer and WON! and lives with diabetes and arthritis.....she is a force to be reckon with and we love her so much.
For her 80th birthday, there was a surprise planned....even my mom and sister (and family) came from out of country.....she thought we (the local family) would be going to her house on Sunday for dinner and cake....and on Saturday she and my grandfather were going to my aunts for dinner.....when she arrived, we were all there....SURPRISE! My mom was hiding in the bathroom and surprised her until my sister called (from the basement) and was apologizing for not being able to attend as my nephews came upstairs and were hugging her ! The look on her face! It was a wonderful 4 day celebration for her and my wish is for another 80 years!
I love you and everything you do for me.....and my family.....thank you for being you!