A few weeks ago we had the privilege of seeing “Nannie” (my grandmother). I hadn’t seen her in about 4 years, due to the scourge of lyme disease and various tick-borne co-infections. She doesn’t travel much – I guess she is slowing down a little with age, now that she is on the cusp of 102 years old. Her persistence in wanting to see me paid off, as Kristine was able to travel and pick her up this summer. Thanks to Alice and family for providing a home base for Nannie, and for getting her back home.

Nannie’s favourite game is cribbage…. she is truly the “champ,” having likely played close to 100,000 games over her lifetime and even garnering a very rare “29” hand a number of decades ago. In fact, she and my mother taught me, and I have always loved the game. Nannie and I played two games over the two afternoons that she was visiting us…. The first result was no surprise – talk about dismal hands!! And I was rather rusty. On the second day, the good cards were turning up in my hand, and perhaps my head was a bit clearer. I won! So, in the end we ended our 2-day “tournament” in a peace-rendering draw! What fun!

Over the 4 hours that we spent together, we reminisced about when I was young, when she stayed with us when Catherine and Erin were newborns, and when they were toddlers and bouncing off the walls. We talked about family history, going back many generations in Canada, England, Ireland, Wales, and Germany.

The visit ended too soon. We have precious memories, pictures and video clips. And a commitment on my part to write more (as I am able). Certainly seeing her was a belated 46th birthday present for me!