A life well lived

We took a quick road trip to St. Louis this weekend to celebrate Mike's Grandma Betty's 90th birthday. His mother has been planning this surprise for months. Invitations to countless family members and friends. Wonderful food. Cute party decor. Joyce planned every last detail and we all watched it unfold beautifully on Saturday.

Grandma Betty had six children -- five boys and one girl (Mike's mom). These children are now scattered across the country, but they made the trip. Karl flew in from Alaska, Ron flew in from California, and Aaron drove in from Indiana. Nearly everyone else who attended was local, but getting everyone together in the same room at the same time isn't easy.

We gathered in the lobby area of her building and waited for her to come down and feed the birds that live there in a glass cage (side note: the birds are awesome!). When Grandma Betty turned the corner, we all sang Happy Birthday! You can imagine the look on her face. She was absolutely shocked and immediately began that beautiful mixture of smiling and crying and hugging and questioning.

Nearly 100 people attended, family and also her fellow residents. Though they were unfamiliar to me, you could tell a number of people who came to the party were people she hadn't seen in many many years. The surprise and happiness on her face when she would see someone walked in was so fun to watch.

Grandma Betty is an absolutely wonderful woman. She may be 90 years old, but she has the spirit of someone far younger. She is always kind and sweet and welcoming. Her hugs are given easily and she always wants to know how you are. Grandma Betty has shown us all how to live life. She has a curious and energetic soul. She ventured to Europe in her senior years -- a very brave and exciting trip. And she spends every Friday afternoon helping with her great grandchildren (all four of them) in Chesterfield. A few months ago she drove with her son Karl up to Chicago to pay a visit to her granddaughter's new home there and see where we live also. Did I mention she just turned 90?

It's been difficult these past few years watching Grandma Betty struggle with numerous health issues. She has to eat a very strict diet. Her heart is no longer strong and healthy. And, unfortunately, she had to be in the hospital on Meagan's wedding day.  These are the kind of things that would devastate some people. Her body is weakening. But this is exactly where she differs from most people.

Grandma Betty lives each day with a peaceful generosity that touches us all. When she smiles, it makes us smile. When she laughs, we all feel lighter.

It's safe to say we all look to her as a model of grace. She seems to  know what it means to really live fully. We are all so incredibly lucky to have her as a teacher and guide.