"A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes." — Barbara Cage

There is only so much I can write and so many amazing things I could say to you on your special day. I should start with thanking you for always offering us the amazing food you cook up. Or maybe I could begin by showing gratitude for coming into my life, just as my last living grandmother (and grandparent) had passed away. Or maybe I could tell you how much you meant to me when I saw you at my wedding, when my own parents didn't even show up. But I think first I will tell you how great it feels to have a grandma (not grandma-in-law!) like you.

It constantly astonishes me how short a time I've been in your life, but how much you have impacted mine. I have never met a more caring, loving, or giving soul on this Earth. You've shown me that even at my worst, and even on the most difficult days, things can always turn around and be 10 times better than they were before (taking everything one minute at a time always helps). From watching you, I know that being a grandmother is a hard job and that sometimes you just have to love even when it's hard to.

Not only do we have the same first and last name (we'd have the exact same spelling too if you just add an "e" at the end of your first name), but I also share with you my love of scented candles, the color purple and Hallmark movies during Christmastime. There's nobody I'd rather talk to about anything under the sun with on Sundays after lunch. Whether it's politics, the news or just family life, you always know what's going on, and your mind is as sharp as a tack! You're incredibly smart and the hardest working woman I know and love.

You are a woman of tremendous faith, and because of that, you remind me so much of my maternal grandmother, Agathe Morin. Every time I hear you pray, tell a story from the Bible or say a biblical sentiment, I think of her and smile at you! I also thought nobody loved babies more than my late maternal grandmother and me, but boy was I wrong! You have such a maternal instinct and always know how to soothe a crying baby. You never fail to make anyone laugh or smile, and you are honestly the best person to be around.

I am so blessed to have married into a family of such wonderful sets of grandparents. So, here's to you on your birthday: Make it count, make it fun, and make it happy, because you deserve every happiness life has to offer. Happy birthday, Grandma!

~ Dedicated to Ann McLean ~