Behind every great man there is an AMAZING woman. In August I posted an 80th birthday tribute to my grandpa Nester. Today, the special lady that has been at his side for fifty years celebrates number 75. A soft and gentle spirit. Quiet on the outside with much wisdom and experience lying within. Not one to force her opinion on anyone, but if you want a well thought out and intellingent perspective, she's the one to ask. A diehard Rams fan who still mourns the loss of Kurt Warner. Stubborn (in a good way) and the lady who gave me my pretty blue eyes, fine hair and sensitive skin. I would call my grandma the glue that has held the Nester family together for the past fifty years, and none of us would be who we are today without her presence in our lives.
Grandma came over at least once a week dawning some sugary cereals (the ones mom wouldn't buy), and some other household necessities she had found a great deal on. When our family was younger, going over to Grandma's house on the weekend was exciting. We knew we'd eat some great meals and probably get to do something special. She loves to play scrabble, she sat through countless games of Old Maid, Checkers, and Yahtzee, and I'm pretty sure I won most of the time. She has always, and still does, attend every basketball, baseball, softball, soccerball, volleyball, football event known to the Nester family. Not to mention all of the choir concerts and school programs she's sat through in the last 15 years. I'd estimate she hasn't missed more than five events over the past 20 years - those probably being due to sub-zero temperatures on the soccer field.
She makes every birthday special. She made every childhood Christmas magical. She's an example of selflessness you don't see very often in our society. She puts up with a lot of things I would blow my top over. She is charming, beautiful, and extremely dependable. I feel blessed and enriched as a person to know her and to be able to call her my grandma. It's amazing to have a person in your life you know would do anything she could to make your life special, to help in any way needed. She gave of her home for my wedding day and it was amazing to get ready for the momentous occasion in the home she has made so cozy, warm and safe. She has sewn countless holes in jeans and sweaters ( I have one I need her to sew even right now). I love the life I still see in her. She knows what's happening in pop culture and makes sure she catches every new episode of Desperate Housewives. I've known her all my life, yet I'm still learning new things about her all the time. I have so many memories that are sacred to me that are centered around her- her love, her warmth, her caring, her giving, her beautiful spirit. She is a woman I admire and I love more than most anyone else in this world. I hope her birthday reminded her how special she is and how blessed and richer the world is since she was born.
I love you so, so much nat