TIME MACHINE TUESDAY - Happy 95th

This Time Machine Tuesday is dedicated to a very special lady, who celebrated her 95th birthday today. 

How darling was she as a baby?!  No wonder we're all so good-looking (humble, too) with such great genetics!

Her story weaves in and out of time, over nearly a century. 95 years is difficult for most people to even begin to fathom. Born in 1915, she’s lived through times of war and peace, boom and bust economies.

Summer 1938 - with her brother Orel and some friends, stuck in the Grand River. She can still easily recount the events of this memorable day!

Stop and consider for a moment at all of the things she has seen, all the people who have come in and out of her life. She was married to my Grandfather for 50 years. She had the same best friend for over 80 years. 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one brand-new great-great grandson!

My Grandpa John & Grandma Blenda in their wedding portrait (they eloped -- such rebels!)

Think of all the hairdos she’s gone through, all the fashion trends she has most certainly participated in (she’s always been a bit of a fashionista!) and all the incredible music her ears have heard in 95 years.

Modeling a fashionable getup, circa the 1940's

Marvel at all the amazing advances in technology she has seen --modern cars, planes, radio, television, telephones, the internet -- the woman who began her career as a telephone switchboard operator now has her very own blog post! 

Blenda at the switchboard

Imagine the countless tears shed, hugs given, meals cooked, card games won and lost, chocolate and coffee consumed and friendship shared. She has loved and she has lost, but she has lived her life with the kindness, strength, and dignity that we can all only hope to live by. We are all better people for knowing her!

Probably one of the first 'concerts' I ever performed for Grandma

Today, and every other day, we celebrate your amazing life. Happy Birthday, Grandma Blenda. You are an extraordinary woman.  I love you!