"You cant' keep a good woman down."

Mary Ellen turned 88 yesterday and is still a pistol. A strong Irish Catholic (think Maureen O'Hara only shorter, 5'2" with brown hair) her grandparents came over from Ireland at the turn of the century through the Statue of Liberty. She's proud of her heritage and loves St. Patrick's Day. Her father worked the railroad as an engineer in the Depression, and one of her indelible memories is feeding the hungry at her back door during those times. Her aspiration was to be a mother, and after she married her sweetheart as he left to fight in World War II, she had five sons in eight years. You bet she's tough! As the only remaining grandparent to my children, she wonders why she's still here, while most of her peers have already gone. I think it's because God still has some work for her to do.

In addition to raising sons, she was active in golf, china painting, stained glass, bridge - and many others! She's always been a 'girl's girl,' most recently in the 'Go-Go Girls,' who went shopping and played games. After her husband of 60 years passed away 2 years ago, she's now in an assisted living facility, but as usual, she 'makes lemonade when life gives her lemons.' She is the new resident Ambassador there and throws tea parties. She dresses up every day because it makes her feel better, although she misses the independence of driving.

I told her I love her last night. Although divorced, she's always been so good to me, when I didn't deserve it. I do love her... and hope I can keep my dignity as she has.

Happy Birthday Nana.... and MANY more!