LMKuhn76's Journal

Today my aunt held a party for my grandmother (her mother) in recognition of her 80th birthday on Wednesday. I was so happy to see my grandmother having a good time surrounded by the people she loves and who love her. I also enjoyed seeing them too.

While standing in my aunt's kitchen I noticed a photograph on her refrigerator with a magnet. The photo was of myself and my grandfather. He passed away when I was 18. In the photo I was probably about 9 - third grade or so. I was standing next to him where he sat in his rocker and he was holding my "Cabbage Patch Doll" named Gregory that I'd received as a Christmas gift that year. It was so wonderful to see that picture and have a flood of positive feelings come over me and good memories of my grandfather. 

I have lived with my grandparents since I was an infant. My mother and father loved each other but for a number of reasons, their relationship didn't work out. Primarily because he was abusive and my mother left him to be sure I had a better life and she would too. She and I moved into her parents' home when I was just a baby. The only two times I have lived in a home without my grandmother were a year during college when I roomed with friends and a year following my wedding. 

My grandmother lives in the house I live in and to me that is "normal" and I just can't imagine any other way of living. I feel sad thinking of people who have missed out of learning from their older loved ones or who don't keep in touch with their extended family. I am so blessed to have four generations living under one roof! (My grandmother, mother, myself and my girls). My cousin is now pregnant in her first trimester with her first child due in April. There is so much to look forward to be and be grateful for.