Grandma's Birthday

With all the fun we had, the real reason for our April trip to Gridley was to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of the most amazing people I know, my Grandma Ruth. If you know her, you know she was embarrassed to be the center of so much attention, and but in the end she loved it. All of my cousins (minus my brother Billy) were able to be there (some as a surprise). We haven't all be together in a long time now, and it was so wonderful to all be together again. Growing up we were such a huge part of each others lives, and every time I look back at the pictures it makes me miss them all again. Grandma even had a nephew come from Canada, and I know that meant a lot to her. She loves us all so much we can't help loving her back. She's like that with everyone, but I think she saves the best of it for her family.

I've though a lot about what makes everyone love Ruthie so much. I think it's a couple of things. For one things she is totally genuine. She loves life, and lives it to the fullest. She always has, from playing sports, to being dragged on shopping trips with Jeanie to traveling the world. And her joy at the world is contagious and makes you feel more alive when you are around here. Like your braver and stronger because she is.

And she really is brave. She left so much to move to Gridley and farm with my Grandpa. Her family, religion, and country. Not unlike the Biblical Ruth she was named after. It wasn't easy, but she embraced her new family and religion with all her heart, so that to a Carlin, she is not a in-law, but a loved family member. She loves the States (and Canada, still!) and even became a citizen. And she has been a rock from the moment the Holy Ghost confirmed the truthfulness of the gospel to her, never-wavering and constantly serving the Lord she loves. She is just as much a heroine as the Ruth in the Bible her father named her after.

But most of all, I think it's her capacity to love. When you talk to Grandma, you feel like what you are saying is the most important thing in the world to her. She appreciates the good in people, and makes you feel so good about the good she sees in you. If you need something Grandma can help you with, you never have to wonder if she would be willing to help. There is no question she would, that's who she is. And she never complains about it. (Note to self...)

And I know she really listens when people talk because I am amazed about the details she remembers about people's families and lives. She worries about them, and rejoices with them in all the details. I am always amazed by her capacity to love.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Let's just say, I really love my Grandma and I hope to be much more like her before I'm done "growing-up."