Today, Elijah's grandmother, from his mother's side, turned 84! We call her Granny, and she is loved by us all. She has lived a fulfilled life, and she continues to be an example of kindness, love, and joy. Her laughter is contagious, and you can't help but be happy when you are around her. She is funny, sweet, loving, independent, thoughtful, compassionate, and smart.
Granny and I have a very special relationship, and I'm grateful for it. Since the beginning, Granny has treated and loved me just like her grandchildren. I've always felt her concern for me, her love and her respect. We call each other once a week and talk about everything, our families, lives, dreams. And whatever dream I'm thinking at the moment, she will say is right for me and that I can do it. I love her faith in me and her encouragement. She pays me hundreds of compliments while we are on the phone and while I'm telling her about my life. She makes me feel as if I'm truly living a grand life. Recently, she has been collecting jokes and would share those with me when we call each other. So, for her birthday, I thought I would play a joke on her. I got her a pretty card and after sharing my feelings about her, I ended my remarks by saying "Enjoy the onion chopper!" Then, I sent my present all wrapped up inside an onion chopper box. When she got my present, my mother-in-law was present. Granny tears off the pink wrapping paper I've folded around the gift, and then remains quiet as she looks at the box. My mother-in-law says in surprise that this isn't the gift I had mentioned to her I was going to send. Nevertheless, because my mother-in-law is the kindest and the most good hearted woman I know, she says to her mother, "An onion chopper is a nice gift. I'm sure you'll like it!" Now, this is where it gets funny. Both my mother-in-law and Granny know that she has no need for an onion chopper since she rarely cooks, and when she does it's definitely not onions!
Well, after agreeing with her daughter about the great usage of the onion chopper, Granny finally opens the box, just to check that it works. And out comes the candy, and the gift, and out comes a laughter from my sweet Granny. She can't stop laughing, not particularly at my joke, but especially at my mother-in-law's remark. My mother-in-law, after seeing that it was a joke, joins the laughter. When I called Granny, I told her that for Christmas I wanted a garlic presser. I'm afraid that I might not end up with only the box.
I love you, Granny! You are such fun and a wonderful friend. Happy Birthday!
