Gratitude, Day 25: Irene Kalman

NOTE: I am a fan of 30-day challenges, and November is traditionally a time of two: National Novel Writing Month, and 30 Days of Thanks. As I am not a fiction writer, this year I have chosen to publish a daily blog for the entire month, expressing my gratitude. This may not be entirely food-focused, but expect recipes aplenty. Feel free to join me in the comments below. What are you thankful for today?

Today Khristian and I drove north for two hours to visit my grandmother, Irene Kalman.

The one who steals fruit from her nursing home.

Grandma with her great granddaughter.
Grandma with her great-granddaughter.

The one who turned 98 on Monday and is every bit as spry in the brain (if not more) as your average 60-year-old.

I try to see her at least once a month, as I am not sure how many more of these visits we will have, and I wanted her to meet Khristian.

Today, I am grateful for Irene Kalman and the things I have learned from her.

Every month, we talk about the Great Depression, politics, old people, assisted living activities, and her health. She sighs a lot but doesn’t complain much, asks if I am making money, and sends me home with a bag full of purloined apples, oranges, and the occasional banana.

She is my living history, and I am so grateful to have recognized that before it was too late.

What are you grateful for today?

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