Thora Barbara Austin. My Grandmother on my Dad's side. It is her Birthday. Happy Birthday Grandma!
Growing up I heard these words from her a lot: "Did ja know it?" They always followed a sincere compliment, such as: "You did a good job, did ja know it?", or "Your hair is so soft and shiny, did ja know it?", or "You were the best one out there, did ja know it?", or "You are a great cook, did ja know it?" (yay, seriously she would say this to me after I opened her a can of campbells soup). She went to everything I did as a child, teenager, college student, and young mother. The first time I gave a talk without her being present was at her funeral (and technically she was there). I always heard those same words. She spent endless hours at my dance recitals, colorguard competitions, and church programs, talks and advancements. And I could always count on those words.
After she died, many people--her friends and family would come and tell me how much she loved me, how proud she was of me--they would ask if I knew how much I meant to her. And YES I DID. I did know it!
So to celebrate her this year I have made a goal to be more like her. I want my loved ones, family and friends--but especially kids to know that I love them. I am going to tell them more often, I am going to show up to things more often, I might even utter those words.
Thanks Grandma, I know!
BTW, I can't mention her without telling of what a blast she was. Austin Family: remember when she went sledding with us when she was very old (Alec and Regan were alive), and cheated at cards, and teased Gramps, and made us eat hot spicy peppers, I even have a pic of her swinging with Austin.
