It’s mom’s birthday today. Hi, Mom! Just in case someone reads this to you, I’m sorry we are not out to lunch at Olive Garden. I was not able to send you books, either. It’s sad you cannot read anymore as reading was always your biggest pleasure (aside from you grandsons!) It sure is a long way from Florida to Michigan. This is one of the few times I’ve written you a letter. Maybe someone will help you phone today, if you’re feeling well. I hope you’re feeling well.
I think about you a lot since your world has gotten so small. We wish you had decided to move down here with us, where it’s warm. You do love the snow, though. You loved shoveling it, when you could still stand on your own two feet. I worried you’d have a heart attack but you said it refreshed you. And heart attack does not seem to be the way you will go.
I’m glad you have Bobby and Becky to take care of you. I know Jake and Billy see you sometimes too. Dad misses you. He’s doing okay on his own, maybe semi-okay. He had no idea how much he depended on you as I know you depended on him. You’ve been married 71 years now, not always a calm and uncomplicated marriage, but then whose is?
I understand so much more about you now. The things Granny told me about you as a baby and a young girl make so much sense now. The way I look back at my childhood is different than I always believed it was. I just thought you were moody. For better or for worse. But you were trying to protect us.
You were a better mom than you think you were. You were beautiful and young and smart. You gave me my first typewriter when I was 20 years old. And my first diary when I was 12. You cooked and cleaned and always made sure I had pretty dresses. You were so happy when perma-press was discovered because you hated ironing. I still make your recipes. They are Al’s favorites! Split Pea Soup, Spanish Rice, Tuna Casserole. Your stuffing on Thanksgiving is my favorite. Me calling you with kitchen questions even in my 30’s. When we had big family dinners, you always made the gravy.
I loved the years when we took trips to Erie and met your aunts and cousins. I was so happy that we both loved antique stores, how you always had a story about at least one item. And how, when I was young and had read all the books in the library for young people, you let me read yours. The sagas by Catherine Cookson and the historicals by Jean Plaidy. You gave me “Woodswoman” by Anne LaBastille about a divorced young woman who built her own cabin in the woods and wrote a book about it. Then further books about her travels.
I’m delighted with the beautiful relationship you had with my boys. I was saying something about you last year…or was it two years ago? Nothing nasty, just an anecdote and eye roll sort of thing. Someone said “You could write a book about your family!” And Tim said “Do Not Write Anything Bad About Grandma! She is the Best Grandma and we had so much fun when I was little and I love her!”
I will leave you with these loving thoughts, and hope to see you soon. Please eat cake!
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