Turning 90 :: My grandma turned 90 last week. My sister and I surprised her with a visit and a perfect little dinner party in her backyard – complete with balloons, party hats, favors, and a pinata. She really loved it. I’m so glad I’ve gotten to see so much of her these past couple years. She is wonderful. The end of life is hard.

My sister wrote this poem for her as a birthday gift. It’s so good. While you may not get every nuance and reference it makes – I do. It encapsulates the culture in my life and family – that precious culture that is passed down through generations and created by those people who care for you deeply, who have always offered consistent love and a familiar place to be.

Fresh, fresh oranges

Mandarin, Naval, and Valencia

Waiting for me in the morning

Sitting juicy in glasses on your counter

Climbing up dusty branches in the sunshine

–

Crafting so many new creations

Lace cookies, crochet, and pillow cases

Watching batter being poured into delicate designs

Tying intricate knots of yarn

Boiling berries and peaches into sweet and sticky jam

–

Seeking strength and adventure

Iowan cornfields, L.A.’s streetcars, and the fifth wheel

Eloping in Vegas?

Wrap around skirts from Thailand

Alaskan teddy bears snuggling me to sleep

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Finding home

Pajama pants, pink afghans, and cheesy potatoes

Sleeping under homemade quilts and yellow curtains

Recording our visits with snapshots under the orange tree

A place where I could always be