One Very Special Lady

Today is Grandma Gray's birthday. I'm feeling an emptiness. I used to be able to go visit her on her special day, or call or at the very least send a card. Today I can only think back fondly on the short time we had together. It's amazing to me how much I grew to love her in the nine short years she was a part of my life. I remember very clearly the first time I met her. Louis and I were out driving around Idaho Falls and we had stopped in to see family members we each had in the area. We went by Grandma's and Louis introduced me to her by saying, "Grandma, this is my friend, Camille." Grandma greeted me and then looked at Louis and said, "You have a very cute friend." I knew right then I would love her. I love being right! For a couple of years I was able to spend Spring Break with my kids in Idaho Falls. We usually were there over Grandma's birthday. A couple times I was able to make her a cake and surprise her with it. She was always so happy to see us and very gracious. One year Louis came up and surprised her and she let us take her out for breakfast. That was so much fun! I remember that Grandma loved Indians and she had all sorts of artifacts and dolls and other Native American relics displayed in her home. She also loved her family. This was very apparant by the numerous pictures of each member of her family displayed in every room of her home. Grandma always had a treat to share and was quick to offer you a pop or anything else she had. I loved going out to the backyard and sitting on her porch swing in the Spring and Summer. Grandma had a hard time in the winter (who doesn't?) and it was especially nice to enjoy the warmer weather and watch the birds with her. A favorite memory I have is of taking Charles to see her for the first time. I was a little worried because he hadn't eaten in a LONG time, and he was a good baby, but when he was hungry, you knew it. I really wanted her to see him smiling and being cute. I got my wish. She was overjoyed to hold him and loved his name because he is named after her oldest, Terry. Charles just smiled and cooed at her for the longest time! It was wonderful. Kaylee and Charles have special memories of Grandma Gray. She was always so thoughtful and generous and they each have several special gifts that she gave them over the years. One summer we attended the Jensen family reunion in Montpeiler. Grandma took us to see her childhood home and shared some memories with us. That was a lot of fun. One of the highlights was meeting Uncle Micheal Koberstein. Grandma was so happy to have him there. The last time we really celebrated her birthday was her 80th. We suprised her with a family dinner and Louis' parents came out from California. She was surprised! We had dinner and cake and then played a very fun jeopardy game all about Grandma that Louis' mom had put together. Love you Grandma!