On many days she dwells in the memories gathered in crossing ninety-five years. Her journey, begun in 1915, has been richer in people and experiences than in geographic destinations, but travel is travel, whether in distance or time.
A matriarch like no other, my Grandma Dugan also holds a bit of the little girl named Mary within her, making her a completely fascinating and compelling presence in my life. She snoozed through a recent visit having overexerted herself moments before making a break for some enticing flower beds beyond the safe edges of the care center’s outdoor patio. I love that she still finds satisfying a curiosity worth the considerable effort of propelling her wheelchair down a sidewalk.
Her smiles made me smile at her birthday party this past week. In her usual fashion, she flitted about the room greeting her guests, exclaiming at the purple decorations and enjoying all the special attention. When presented with the first slice of birthday cake she insisted I share it with her, bite for bite, enjoying it all the more for sharing it with me.
Milestones. They encapsulate our memories and plant them in a place we can revisit at will. This year we have celebrated my oldest son’s high school graduation and the life of my Grandma Prior after her passing at age 92. On June 30th we were privileged to honor the passing of but another year for Grandma Dugan. 95 years and still counting…
Happy Birthday to Grandma Dugan!
95 seems to be a popular number this year. My wife’s grandma also turned 95. Quite the party!
Happy birthday to your grandma, may she keep on counting the years for a while yet.
What a wonderful tribute to this very special person. May her 95th year be as rich and full of joy as all those years before.
One of The Guys: My kids are very fortunate to have had this great lady (and their other great-grandmother who passed away in March) be such a significant part of their lives. They’ve actually spent more time with their great-grandmas than they were able to have with my mom. Life can be odd that way!
Thanks Donald. She’s a big bright spot in my life. We feel pretty lucky to have her living so close to us.
NothingProfound: Yes. She’s already clocking time toward 96, isn’t she?!
It’s mildly fascinating to watch how our definitions of “joy” evolve with time and life experience. Grandma’s biggest joy is when one of us walks in and gives her a hug and a kiss. It feels good to be able to give that to her.
The Best Cake ever!
Happy Birthday Grandma Dugan! Yippie!
Thanks Intrepid. Isn’t she cute? : )
Absolutely Gorgeous!
She is cute. Glad you got to see her before your trip. Happy Birthday!!!
Saw this late……just awesome…….those are my only words……awesome!
Thanks Craig!
She is one cool grandma, Keith. I’m rather happy to have those genetics and that particular lady in my family.
Wow you are very lucky Heather:) And such a wonderful thing for your children to experience the joy of grandparents and greatgrandparents – Special memories indeed:)