How to Live a Full Life

Grandma Temple last year in Julian , CA.

I learned from my grandmother that even though you get older, you are still the same person you always were.  One Sunday we were sitting in my kitchen, just chatting about family and life.  I remember telling her that when I was little, I thought when I was 26 (don't know why I chose that number) I would have it all figured out.  I pictured myself in my own apartment and a job that I loved.  Everything was in its place and perfect (think Mary Tyler Moore show).  I would know what to do , when to do it - be a grown up.  It would be figured out.  This led to a very difficult 27th birthday, but that is another story.

circa 1945, Clifford standing, holding mom

Grandma told me, "Things have changed and I have learned things, but I feel like the same person I was when I was 30."  That was interesting.

Everyone should be blessed to have a grandma that explains aging in such an open and honest way.  No question was ever too personal.  If we were curious, we would ask.

Grandma and Grandpa - I am thinking some time in the '40s

This week we are saying goodbye to my grandma.  She is 98, a strong 98.  I am a blessed girl to have my grandma this long.  She is an amazing woman: a strong, independent, stubborn woman.  All the reasons I love her.  The examples she set by living her life taught me so very much and contributed greatly to the woman I am today.

Grandma, me and Daddy, Thanksgiving 1967

On that note, I am approaching a big number year: the number year my grandma was when I was born.  I am reminded that I am still the same person.  The outside ages, but me - I am still the same.  I never knew my grandma up to the age I am today, but rather, watched her second half of life.  I, like my grandma, am the same person inside I was 20 years ago.  This is not to say life events and lessons are futile - quite the opposite.  I like to think they mold us and shape us to become more of who we were in the first place.  Grandma modeled life as an example.  I learned what I wanted in love and marriage from watching her and my grandfather.  My faith in God was planted by my grandmother, not by just going to church (which we did - a lot), but by her lessons and example.  She knew the bible and was able to use it to explain life as needed.  She gave me a great love of hymns and songs of worship.  Not to mention the baking, gardening, ballet, theater, and classical music.  Grandma loved life and enjoyed it.  I want to be like that when I grow up.

Visiting family in Houston, Christmas a few years ago

So I plan to live my life as my grandma did.  Love on family.  Be strong when it is needed.  Stay calm.  Be honest about your feelings.  Honor God in all you do.  Be thankful and content.  Go out with your friends and take those trips.  Do what you love doing.  Live.