98

98 is how old my Gram, Veronica, is today. 

She is mother to 7 children who survived birth, grandmother to 13. She is great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother to more than I can count at the moment. Her life is a testament to the power of the human spirit to triumph under what was at times great adversity.

When it became clear a few years ago that she would need to be moved to an assisted living facility she did so with grace, which couldn't have been easy given her independent nature. The picture at the top of this post hangs in her room and my mom penned the following words that accompany it so that those looking after her could read it and know that she hadn't always been just another elderly woman in their care.

Our Mother loved, protected and provided for all of her children unreservedly. She set before us an example of fortitude in overcoming every adversity in her life. 

She embraces life and everyone in it at their own level and is a Godly example of how to love and forgive. 

Veronica has left each of her children a legacy of love, strength, wisdom and faith to take with us and to teach our children. 

Although it's not likely my sons will ever meet her in person, they will grow up knowing her nonetheless. Her legacy is already a part of them.

Happy Birthday Gram – wishing you much joy on the anniversary of your 98th year, and every day.

With all the love in the world,

- L. (AKA Mousie)