Monday, December 27, 2010

Maggie Monday: Not Dead Yet

My grandmother has been dying since I went off to college, some 26 years ago. Not in the imminent sense: she has no grave illnesses, just the minor annoyances of old age: she's losing her sight, her energy, her balance, and is, reportedly, "drying out."

When I went off to college, she told me, "Ma might not be around to see you graduate." She was a spry 62 back then.

After I graduated and took my first job in New York City in 1989, I only had two days off at Christmas. As a way of getting me to take more time off in December, she said, "Ma might not be around next Christmas." (She continues to make this report in late December.)

When I was taking a million years to write my dissertation, she'd encourage me by threatening not to live to see me graduate with my Ph.D.

Last year when I called to wish her a happy 88th birthday, she thanked me and declared, "That's enough."

If it looks like she's still going to be with us next March, and at this point she's brainwashed me into thinking she might die someday, I'd like to shower her with birthday cards, 89 of them to be exact.

Who's in?

And speaking of birthdays, happy birthday to my Aunt Mikki, who has yet to threaten to die on me even though she alleges to be past 62.

Although I've enjoyed writing these little stories about my grandmother, I will return to posting about my crafting life on Mondays in the new year. Thanks for your appreciation of my grandmother and the complexities she has added to my character.

24 comments:

Kathy A. said...

I'm in. Send me the address at drewsgrands@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I'm in. Do you want us to send the cards to you or directly to her?

Kathy A. said...

I wonder if your mother is related to mine. Only my mother it is my aunts and a cousin. According to her they are in danger of imminent death. My cousin has survived at least 15 years since then, my aunt lived 20 years after and my other aunt is still going at 86.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

By all means, count me in (and I'll get a few of my non-blogging friends to do it, too)! I have really enjoyed your stories and would love to have the opportunity to wish her a Happy Birthday!

Sun City Stitcher said...

The showering of cards is a great idea. A friend of mine did that for her husband's#50 and had cards sent from all over the place. I would be happy to participate - just let me know the details when it is time. Mary (colorado stitcher) at marysgottastitch@live.com

Faye said...

Love it ...Count me in~~ Since I no longer have my dear MIL (who was like my mother..) I would love to help you make her day!! Email me...

Faye

Coni said...

Me too! I'm in!

Adrienne Martini said...

I'm totally in.

Anonymous said...

I'm in ... marikanola@gmail.com

xeyedmary said...

I'm in - what a fun idea!

Alice said...

Yes! I'd love to send a card!

Deb said...

You can count me in too! I think that's such a great idea! Just let me know the details!!

Michelle said...

You can count me in! I've been loving these stories you've shared.

Mary said...

Absolutely in! I had a shower of cards from all over the world for my 40th birthday - still (at the infamous 62 years) one of the best birthdays ever!

Just tell me when and where!

Mary in MN

m_kaeding@hotmail.com

Donna said...

I'm in. I've finally rediscovered all my rubber stamps!!!

And I'm ready to use them.

Catherine said...

I'm in!

I'll miss Maggie Mondays - are you sure they have to end?!?

Trish said...

I would love to help with a card!

Veronica said...

I've really enjoyed your Maggie stories so I'd love to send her a birthday card. Just let me know how. My email is in my profile. Thanx!

Unknown said...

Count me in, too! Please email the details to the address in my profile. I've loved reading your Maggie stories. I hope that, just because she's no longer a feature, this won't be the last we hear of her antics!

Jenna said...

Count me in! I'll whip up something handmade for her. Can't promise it'll be pretty, though. ;)

Caroline said...

Just saw this - count me in!

caroline@macoutpost.com

Sherry :o) said...

How funny - I love your stories about your Grandma! I'll gladly send a birthday greeting!!

Jodie said...

Awesome idea! I've loved reading about Maggie...count me in! jodiegraham@trentu.ca

Aussie Stitcher said...

I haved loved reading about Maggie, and would love to be able to send her a birthday card, my email address is wright @ aussiebb . com . au.