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The photo I have posted of her was probably taken in 2003, assuming from the thickness of my goatee, as I haven't let it grow out like that in quite some time. She was still in story telling mode at this time and had a wonderful memory. Just a few year years later at her 100th birthday party, her memory had faded, and sadly she didn't recognize many of the people in attendance. Still, it was a wonderful celebration of a life well lived, and I don't think anyone enjoyed the good food there more than her. I am not selling her short when I say that she ate continuously for more than an hour. Looking back now at the pictures from that day, I remember how difficult it was to get a picture of her when she wasn't eating.
Thankfully, I have some videos of grandma that I can watch where she is telling stories, while pouring through photo albums and pointing out who's who in many of the pictures. I'm happy to be able to pass these along to the generations that didn't get to know her. She was blessed to lead such a long life, and was an even greater blessing to her descendants in the way she lived it. The things that she lived through and endured, and as long as I knew her she always had a happy heart and calm demeanor. I don't think I ever heard her raise her voice. Maybe that was the secret behind her longevity. She was certainly one of the sweetest people I ever met or hope to meet in this life. All praise and glory to God for the time he gave her to us.