NINETY years ago TODAY -- GG was born!!!
Doesn't she look amazing??!!
mother-in-law.....grandmother...GREAT grandmother...and friend to so MANY!!
She is pictured above with her daughter, D and GREAT granddaughters Ms. H and Ms. K.
We celebrated her beautiful life with a very quaint party - at her request. In her own words -- she didn't want any hoopla like on her 80th birthday when we "surprised" her with a big party. She said she is still recovering from that event 10 years later!!
So -- Auntie D (pictured above) had a great idea to announce her birthday in a few local newspapers. We asked friends, neighbors and former students to send her cards wishing her a happy day. What a great idea!! She has thoroughly enjoyed receiving cards over the past week, reading about fond memories and realizing that she has indeed made a difference her in 90 amazing years!
GG was a true pioneer of her time. Her main priority was (and still is) raising her beautiful family, but she has many passions. One of those was making a difference in the lives of her students. While teaching full-time she also furthered her education by earning a master's degree attending night and summer school. She continued to teach while raising a family and supporting her husband who was a farmer. She truly paved the way for our entire family!! We've learned so much from her life lessons and wisdom!!
GG is also an avid sewer and quilt maker. She's made so many beautiful works of art. She also loves to cook for her family. As a kid I vividly remember big and delicious meals at her house which always included her famous mash potatoes and gravy. And - we can't forget about GG's pies. She is "THE" pie lady around town. People fight tooth and nail to get their hands on a single slice of her pie. It melts in your mouth!! And...I can't forget about her gardening and her BEAUTIFUL flowers. No matter where GG has lived - she's always found a way to bring her "farming" along. With her very limited eye sight people absolutely marvel at her beautiful flowers. They specifically drive by her home to check out the magnificent sight each year. She just has the touch for producing beautiful flowers. She spends as much time as she can outside during the spring and summer tending to her crop. If she were able - her flowers would sell like hotcakes at any farmer's market.
I know in reality our family began generations before GG.....but in MY mind...GG was the beginning of our family. She has truly been the heart and center of our family.
We hope she had a fun party yesterday and that today is wonderful, too!! It's bright and sunny outside today - which is perfect for honoring GG's birthday!
I wanted to end with a poem written especially for GG - by Auntie D (GG's youngest daughter).
To G.G.,Grandma, Mother-in-law, & Mom too:
There is nothing for all of us you would not do
You have loved beyond measure
Your kindness we treasure
You float us a loan
We could never repay
Knowing we can use it
For a rainy day
You’ve made us roast beef, mashies, pies, & jellies
Just check it out & look at our bellies.
You always have time for each & every one
Always adding to it your own special fun.
We love you Dear Hazel
Who loves to grow basil
We’re all here to say
Today is your day!
Isn't she a great poet?? I think so!!
Happy Birthday GG!!
We love you!
And - here's to many more!
With love,
Cuz I'm the mama (aka: GG's granddaughter)
Awwww...How sweet!!! That is amazing to have such a wonderful woman in the lives of your girls.
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