This picture was taken in 1981 at our house in Simi Valley, CA. It was my Mom’s parents’ 45th Wedding Anniversary party. This is my Dad’s mom: Grandma Eileen. She lived with us from the time I was 2 years old and we were very close. Today would have been her 101st birthday.

I spoke at her funeral in January of 2010. She died just two weeks short of her 95th birthday. I wish I still had a copy of the eulogy I wrote to her, but it is long lost on some flash drive or old hard drive that no longer exists in my world.

She does though. Every day I think about her and miss her. She was my third parent and was the one who kept me from being a latch key kid. I remember when I had the flu she was so intent on finding something for me to eat that she listed the entire contents of our kitchen until I decided that yes, I could maybe eat some celery and keep it down.

Grandma taught me to many things to enumerate. But the qualities I inherited from her are a fierce streak of independence, tenacity, and never giving up. I can’t believe she’s been gone five years now.

I shall raise a toast to you tonight, Grandma. Happy Birthday and thank you.