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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Twilight Years of Life (07/02/09)
I just want to pull the covers over my head and spend this day by myself. The sun’s been up for hours, but I can’t face another day. My legs are throbbing, my head hurts, and my heart is broken. People can’t understand why I don’t want to “celebrate” my 95th birthday.

“Hey Mom, see the necklace I made for Granny! Do you think she’ll like it?

“Well, let’s see what you’ve got there. Peace signs… wow! Those seem to be really popular right now, I’m sure she’ll love it!”

“Yeah, Granny’s really hip. She loved the Betty Boop apron I made for her last year. She’s such a cool grandma.”

“Well, you know Honey, she’s really your great grandmother.”

“I know Mom, it’s so awesome that she’s my “great” grandma ‘cause she’s the greatest. I love her so much.”

I haven’t seen most of my friends and relatives for over ten years, and now they want to come all the way over here to wish me a happy birthday. Turning 95 is not a happy occasion! Don’t they get that? Dr. Hunter kept telling me I had to slow down or I was going to meet my Maker. Now look at him! Dead of a heart attack at 61! Modern medicine…hmmph!

“Marge, you know Mom doesn’t like big parties and gatherings. Can’t we just keep it simple? Why do you always have to make such a big deal out of everything?”

“Bud, your mother is 95. That is a big deal! Most of us will never see 95 and she’s there! It’s a milestone!”

95. Most people would be happy about living this long. I’m so tired, so sad. Three months ago today we buried my baby girl. Who would ever think that I would have to watch my youngest daughter die of cancer. Barbara was so precious, so loving, so caring. I miss her so much. I just want to be with her again, and with Howard. He was such a great man. It’s been seventeen years without him.

“Bob, I don’t think giving your Aunt Betsy money is a good idea. It’s so impersonal.”

“Well, what do you think we should give her, another Crockpot? Candles? How about an exercise bike? Honey, she has everything…she needs nothing. Money is just a token of our love and appreciation.”

“OK…she’s your aunt. I just wish we could get her something really special for this occasion.”

Then there’re the gifts… I know I’ll get lots of presents today. People should save their money, I sure don’t need anything. I’ve been trying to get rid of stuff – downsize. Who’s gonna want all this junk when I’m dead and gone anyway? It’ll make a pretty good yard sale, but that’s about it.

“What’s up Sweetheart?”

“Mom, I know Grandma doesn’t really need any more stuff, and she doesn’t need money. I wanted to do something really special for her, so I wrote a note. Will you read it and see what you think?”

“Sure Hon…”

Dear Grandma-

Wow, today you’re 95 years old…95! That’s more than four times older than me…more than four lifetimes. And if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today. I would never have met Jack, and we would never have gotten engaged.

If it weren’t for you, Uncle Bob wouldn’t be here. He would have never become a lawyer, and all of those kids he’s helped to get good homes would still be orphans. Worse yet, they might still be being abused.

If it weren’t for you, Aunt Barbara wouldn’t have been born. She would have never become a teacher and would never have touched all those lives that showed up at her memorial service. There must have been a thousand people in that gym, Grandma. You must have been so proud.

If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been able to afford college. Oh, I could have gone to the local Community College, but you wanted…no you expected more from me. And now I am able to start my own teaching career in the fall, just like Aunt Barbara.

If it weren’t for you, Daddy wouldn’t be here. He wouldn’t preach every Sunday, and share Jesus with the lost. Think about that, Grandma. There are a lot of saved souls out there…because of you!

Grandma, I love you so much. Thanks for always being the inspiration I needed to be my very best. I am who I am because of you.

Love,
Susan
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This article has been read 1180 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Robyn Burke
07/09/09
I really enjoyed the switching back and forth between the characters and the thoughts and feelings were well expressed. Would have liked to see grandma reading the letter be part of the story. Good writing.
Margaret Gass
07/09/09
What a wonderful letter! Too bad Susan didn't plan the party...a "Because of You" slide show might have been enough to make Grandma pull those covers off her head! Great descriptions!
Jim McWhinnie 
07/10/09
A meaningful interchange of thoughts between the young and the old, one of the dynamics I believe God intended for the human soul to experience ...

Well done.
Joy Bach 
07/11/09
This is an excellent, thought-provoking article. How many people in our lives are just waiting to hear that because of them, someone's life was a little better? Certainly made me think.
Mariane Holbrook
07/13/09
Great hint, BTW. And a very good entry. I hope you place high with this one, dearheart.
c clemons
07/13/09
I would have liked to see the ending expanded but I'm sure because of word count you had to leave it here. A few puncuation problems but overall a good job.
Joy Faire Stewart
07/13/09
I love the "because of you" note! Wonderful idea and enjoyed the thoughts of the family members.
Sonya Leigh
07/13/09
The grandmother's losses brought tears to my eyes...very moving. And the note tied everything up nicely...very clever way to explain everything. Very good job!
Bryan Ridenour
07/13/09
Great entry..."It's a wonderful Lifeish" in nature. Some days it's nice to know that we've touched someone else's life. I'm sure the grandmother loved the letter!
Karlene Jacobsen 
07/13/09
I'd be willing to bet Grandma gained new perspective from this note. I sure would.

Nicely written. I liked how you mingled the family's plans in with Grandma's own thoughts.
Patricia Herchenroether
07/14/09
If I had commented first, I would say all the things everyone else did. LOL Terrific story!
Allan Morelos
07/15/09
I really love this entry and how the letter provides an encouraging perspective for grandma. I wish, too, that Grandma has read the letter as part of the whole story.
Thanks for writing.
Diana Smith 
07/15/09
Really enjoyed the contrasts between Grandma's thoughts and the family's conversations. Clever. The note was priceless, and a gift that anyone would LOVE to receive. Beautiful!
Colin Swann
07/16/09
An enjoyable read - very interesting story. Extremely creative and slap bang on target. All the best with it! Colin
Joy Bach 
07/16/09
Congratulations on your well deserved "Highly Commended". It's an honor to know you.
Joy Faire Stewart
07/16/09
Great story and congratulations on you placing!
Margaret Gass
07/16/09
Congratulations, Connie! I am so proud of you! Well done, dear friend.
Sonya Leigh
07/16/09
YAAAAAAAAYY! GREAT job on this entry, Connie! Congrats on the Highly Commended--there's such heavy competition in level 3, with so many entries--it is a very meaningful placement.