* My grandmother, Rich’s mother, has a birthday today…

The last year has been incredibly hard on Grandma. Stage 4 cancer has taken a tremendous toll on her physically, but even now, she still worries more about everyone else than herself.

* Lately when I visit, I’ve found myself spending some time in Grandma’s craft room looking through old pieces of artwork left behind by my siblings, cousins and myself over the years, revisiting those memories and thinking about all the time we spent crafting together when I was younger. Every little drawing, unfinished project and pile of supplies brings me back to another moment in time…

* My grandma has always been the person our family could lean on. She raised five boys and managed to do it with patience, intelligence, and love. These days, what still makes her happiest is being around her children and grandchildren.

Happy birthday, Grandma! We all love you so much, and we’re grateful for every memory, every lesson and every moment we’ve had with you. Here’s to more birthdays to come…

[From Rich: There were times last fall when we didn’t know if my mom would make it to her birthday. But she is the toughest person I know. She has set her mind on continuing with life. She even passed her driving test a few days ago. I’ve always looked up to my mom, but I’ve been just blown away by her determination, grit and humor the past year or so. Happy birthday, Mom! We all love you.]