She's full of spunk and has lived a generous life. She can sit and tell you stories from her youthful days growing up in Denmark - the socialite she was - as if these things happened yesterday. She recalls when the Germans marched through her beloved town during World War II, the fears of her brother Arly serving in the Underground Resistance, and the grief of losing him just after the war ended. I remember her still fighting back tears after all these years -- I know grief never leaves, it just changes. Anything to do with Denmark has Grandma's foremost attention!
Grandma's favorite hymn is Count Your Many Blessings. She's told me numerous times how blessed we are and that if we were to try to count our blessings, we couldn't because we have so many.
She'll never send anyone away hungry, always eager to gift a piece of candy or send you with even a box of crackers before you leave her home.
She loves the Utah Jazz! She posts their schedule on her pantry door, wears her Utah Jazz jersey and keeps warm under her Jazz blanket during the game...she is anxious all day for game time and even stays up late past her bedtime to catch the entire game on late games. You can set your clock by her turning on The Price is Right and even People's Court in the afternoon. She's a woman of habit and I suspect that and her love of eggs, whip cream and "real" hot chocolate (steamed milk and chocolate) are part of her secret to a long life. I also suspect the remaining part has to deal with her thankful heart, positive outlook on life and love of her family and faith. She has never once faltered in her love of the gospel and of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Ghost. She constantly says how much she loves the Book of Mormon and the Bible, often reading aloud from her Danish versions. Each Sunday, she will have a piece of bread and cup of water on a paper plate on her dining room table ready for the young deacons to visit and bless the sacrament for her.
Grandma has always remembered birthdays and special occasions for her family. I remember as a child the anticipation of receiving a letter in the mail with her immaculate cursive, knowing it would contain a card and some money. During younger years it was $25 and we had to put $20 into the bank and we'd then be able to spend the remaining $5 cash on whatever we wanted. That was big! As the years went on and more grandchildren came, the amounts got smaller - obviously and rightly so - but the fact was her cards and giving continued each and every year. She made me feel so special and it's something I'll always remember.
Her and Keefer (Kerry's son) share a birthday! It's a treat to celebrate this with her and I'm so grateful for her loving example.
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