My Children...

lost their Grandmother today.  She was 98 years old.

I met her nearly 60 years ago when my Dad purchased a 20 acre parcel of land with an old farmhouse, from a family member.  It was located literally next door to the family farm.  In 1964 I married her oldest son.  And when we could no longer make the marriage work, she said she loved me anyway.

She worked harder than most women.  She kept a big, old farm home spotless.  She raised a family of five children.  She kept a huge garden to help feed that family.  And when her husband and sons were out working in the fields, she hauled countless lunches to them so they didn't have to take the time to come to the house to eat.  She was involved with the local 4-H club and never missed a Sunday of church services.

After a time she and her husband, along with those children remaining at home, moved into town.  She lived in the same house for many years after her husband's death.  And when she began taking Senior bus tours all over the country, I was glad that she was doing something for herself.

She cared for her own home well into her 90's.  My youngest son once called me.  He had stopped by her home to see her, only to find she was out someplace having coffee with her friends.  "She's gone all the time," he complained.  "She is 90 years old," he said.  "Good for her," I replied.

She lived about 100 miles from me.  I saw her occasionally at family get-togethers with my children and grandchildren.  She was always interested in what I was doing and always had a hug for me.  She always told me she loved me.

I will always be grateful to have had such a wonderful mother-in-law.  She was a remarkable woman, dearly loved by family and friends alike.  I will miss her.