a Toast to my Grandma!

This morning, my almost 91 year old Grandma died. She was ready to go - happy to go - she lived a long life, and what strikes me the most is that she never complained! She could have - I know that on my last few visits she didn't feel good, she could hardly move, she hated the way the nursing home staff did her hair, and she wanted more Christmas lights on her tree. Complaining just wasn't her nature - not now at 90years old, or when she was widowed with 4 kids early in her life. That might be the life lesson that has spoke the loudest to me growing up & living life - Be strong and don't be a victim - don't waste your time and energy throwing pity parties!

For anyone who has ever thought of me as being strong or tough - I thank my grandma!

My grandma was unique - she was tough, wore lots of perfume, big necklaces, and was always photogenic. She believed in "blowing the stink off", calling her grand kids -"fart blossoms", she enjoyed happy hour, & the rejuvenating powers of Vaseline!

This New Year's Eve, my dad & I drove over to the home to watch the ball drop with her as she requested. She didn't want to watch the ball go down alone since we all knew this would be her last year with us and she wanted to be tipsy when it did go down...Kind of funny, but easy to accomplish with a solo cup of some what warm champagne! I am so lucky to have that memory & I know each and every New Year's Eve I live through, I will think of my Grandma Essie & enjoy the new year & the new experiences to come with a toughness I can thank my grandma for!



My dad wanted me to toast to my grandma tonight at 7 - I just wanted to share with him & all of you what I loved & appreciated most about my grandma! I will miss her & I hope to carry on some of her toughness while I sport some really big beads!

-Love you Grandma Ogren!