Grandma would have been 83 years old today. Quite an accomplishment as far as I am concerned. The picture was taken at my first birthday party (I think) in August 1980. I cannot say that I remember the event, but I will always think of this picture when I think of my Grandma. It is amazing to me when I think about what she experienced in her life. Her parents (my great-grandparents) were killed in a horse and buggy accident in Nova Scotia in the late 1920’s. And, not too many years ago she worked as a manicurist in a fancy Boston salon. It is amazing that we can experience such a variety of things in such a short period of time…in the grand scheme of things.

Her life began in a time that we, today, would consider rustic and antiquated; and now, our world has everything from electric vehicles to space shuttles. Our lives are filled with cell phones, computers, and manner other technological “necessities”, all things that today, we take for granted. And, I know that I take these things for granted as well. However, today, in this moment, as I write this note about my beloved Grandma…I am taking the time to not think of the wonders in the evolution of our modern world, but of the relationships that are important to me and of the people whom I love with all my heart…my parents, my brother, my grandparents in California and Tennessee, my extended family, my friends, my beautiful wife and my son who will be entering this world in a few short weeks, and most of all Grandma, who I love with all my heart.

May you have enjoyed your chat with St. Peter on your walk through Heaven’s gates. May your life now have a peace that you have never known before. May you watch down upon all those who love you to help us through tough times. You will always be in our hearts.

With all my love, Brian