A memoir to my Grandmother

My Grandmother will soon be celebrating her 90th birthday. I was asked to contribute to a book for her. This is my entry. Since I have been lacking on posts, here is one made with love for her and you too. :)
Grandma is a magical woman. I can’t think of a time when I have not been confident of her love for me. When we were together, upon meeting one of her many acquaintances, old or new, she would politely introduce me by saying something like, “This is my granddaughter; she is my very special birthday present!” She is a magical woman with her care for others. I remember sleeping over and kneeling with her and Grandpa for evening prayers. I can remember being impressed at how in every prayer, they remembered many people by name, including people I didn’t even know. She lovingly and faithfully spoke and prayed for others, even those not in our immediate family circle, this strengthened my assurance of her love for me. She and Grandpa have served us all who make up the ever-growing family, with all of our memories together. I enjoyed playing games at their home, games like Rummy-O (1983 Dutch game of the year J), Othello and Skip-Bo. I also loved looking through at her framed pictures and art, and especially her photo albums. I loved all of them, vacations that she and Grandpa had taken together (like the picture where Grandpa was on both sides of the group photo in front of the capital!!), time spent at the pool, St. George, Vail, Jackson Hole, and on and on. I remember the furniture that she and Grandpa shipped home from Asia and how cool and unique they always were. I admired her travels. I also love how fun she made it to be in her home. She always has had the magical candy dish. Sleepovers always had the official breakfast table setting even when it was cold cereal, with the glass for milk and orange juice. Grandma’s way was always a magically sweet. She was even sweet when she didn’t quite agree with your conduct or way of dress. One time I was wearing a skirt that was a bit too short, she lovingly said, “You better put some sugar on your toes to coax that skirt down.” An important point on modesty had been made but the feelings of the culprit had not been injured. I am thankful for her example of church membership. Many of my first trips to the temple were with Grandma and Grandpa, participating in baptisms for the dead in the Jordan River Temple. I knew temple service was important to both of them. Now, it is important to me. I admire her diligence in keeping records, both her own and by compiling those of her ancestors. I am thankful to have copies of many of those records accessible to me, even in the far northern reaches of the earth! Grandma is magical with her optimism. I have talked about her many times to my acquaintances about her independence and optimism despite her poor eyesight. I hope that I can be like her in my sunset years. Recently she joined us for a picnic. She was tired and I walked with her back to the car to rest. In her loving, magical way she thanked me, praised me and then said, “Oh, I.L., keep smilin’.”
So, is that your secret, Grandma? Is that how you have become so magical in my eyes, by smiling your way through the sun and shade of life?
Well, you have given me the challenge, and I accept.
I will keep smiling, through sun and shade, and hopefully, I will have your same magic in me to push and pull me along.