Dear Gran,

Dear Gran,

I remembered that today would have been your Birthday, born on March 14th 1921 Daughter to Jack and Jane and a sister for Howard.I always thought that I was a lucky girl when I was growing up as not only did I have my parents I also had my Grandmother living with me. Remember the saying "If Mother says no, ask Grandma" I think we would take advantage of this.. You came to us after the death of your husband when I was only 6 months old, so I couldnt remember a time when you were not living with me.
I was talking the other day about how you would knit, you would watch the TV and still never drop a stitch. The funniest times were when you would drift off to sleep and those needles would eventually slow down or stop, you would wake with a jump and get straight back on with the job in hand. It used to amaze me that you could do this and it still does. You taught me to knit and this is something you would be pleased with as I finally have learnt how to cast on and cast off, many many years after I learnt how to do a basic knit stitch.

Another happy memory growing upwere our trips to see Nanny, I used to love the bus ride through the country side and the time that we spent there. Whenever I smell toast or hear a clock chiming it takes me back to Nannys house, we would play card games for hours on end using match sticks instead of money (I wonder how many other Grandmothers encouraged their Grandchildren to bet?), the highlite of the day for me would be dinner time when after we had eaten the cake plate would come out and we were allowed to choose a cake. I have my own tiered cake plate now and whenever I use it I pass on the story of Nannys house, there is nothing quite like afternoon tea if you ask me. This summer I hope to take my own children back there and show them the place that I spent most of my childhood, I want to take them to the house which will have changed so much now and to the playpark, the old train station and the many other places we would visit.

My Wedding Day was one of the happiest days. I was so lucky to have you there with me as only 8 months before hand you were terribly ill in intensive care and we didnt think you would make it. You were a fighter and eventually came home with us after an amazing two weeks, I prayed hard for you during that time and my prayers were answered.

The day I told you I was pregnant was the day that the baby knitting patterns came out. You were so pleased that the baby was on its way I am sure that there was smoke coming out of those famous kneedles they were going so fast.. I am sure that if you were still with us when the baby came you would have been a very proud Great Gramdma or "Little Gran" as you were always known to the other Great Grandchildren. I know that you watch over us but I had a little girl and she was the most precious person in the world to me until her brother came along two years later. Your Great Grand daughter would be a delight to you, she loves knitting, sewing and afternoon tea. A proper Little lady. She is eight now, can you beleive how time flies?. Her brother would be a great source of amuzement to you. He is a typical boy, likes spiders and slugs and best of all he knows Mammy is scared of them. Only I could have a worm farm in my kitchen at the moment.

We live by the sea now and I was walking along the beach today thinking of you. I have so many memories more than I could ever write down or tell people as some of them I like to keep to myself just for me, they make me laugh, smile and cry.

Anyway I just wanted to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

All My Love,

Sarah xxx