Motivational Monday LV

My grandma Nelda passed away a few weeks ago.

I know, I know....more doom and gloom from my corner of the world.  But this time, instead of sadness, there's joy in celebrating a life well lived.

Grandma would have been 97 this week.  That's a lot of days to be on this earth, and many of them weren't that great.

She grew up during the great depression, then married a man with much emotional baggage. She lost her only sibling to breast cancer, and endured several health problems of her own. She outlived all three of her children, and one grandchild.  

But from my earliest memories, grandma Nelda lived life with zest and laughter, and a twinkle in her eye.

She was like Mary Poppins, sweeping in for a visit in her green polyester travelling suit, with a bag full of presents and a plan for fun.  She loved card games, John Travolta, and red sports cars.  I learned to disco dance from grandma Nelda.  She was strong and determined and didn't take crap from anybody.

That's the grandma I miss.  The last few years, dementia robbed her of her memories and her sparkle, and she was ready to go. 

So I won't be sad.  I'll picture her leading a big disco party with Randy, Connie, David and Scotty.  Beating everyone at bridge, then settling down with a scotch on the rocks to watch Johnny Carson.

Yep, it was a life well lived.