Today marks my Grandma Elvrum’s 82nd birthday and we stopped by her house after a splash park playdate with the Merks for a surprise visit. Maggie had painted a few murals the other day and it only seemed fitting to give one to 3G (Great Grandma Georgia) for her birthday. Mags also picked out a special Elmo birthday card that makes noise to also gift, every 82 year olds dream.
Just as every visit to 3G and Great Grandpa’s, we were practically met with cheers, pom-poms waving and a full-on party. I know that I too got that welcome as a child, so I’m not offended when they give Maggie the same treatment. I got to talk with my grandma for a bit while my grandpa took Maggie to ring all the bells, bang on the wind chimes and swing on the bench seat – there is a definite routine of things to do when we’re there.
My grandma, after opening her painted mural, instantly cleared space on her bulletin board to display Maggie’s artwork. I’ve talked in depth with my brothers and cousins about trying to imagine Grandma before she was a grandma – and it’s nearly impossible to do. She was born to be a grandma, of that I’m sure.
By the time we left their house, a bouquet of fresh cut roses, canned peaches (which are like gold because my grandma is master canner), onions we pulled from their garden, and banana bread had made it into our car. Of course my grandma would send with us much more than we arrived with – it’s what she does and fighting it, doesn’t ever work.
So, we’re celebrating my grandma’s 82nd birthday by eating peaches and banana bread on our back stoop, smelling roses and contemplating how to use the onions in tonight’s dinner.
Happy Birthday, 3G!
We love you.
Thanks for being you.
