A letter written, by Sarah, to Grandma Reah Sanders for her 85th birthday.
My sweet Grandmother,
How do I begin? I have this woman who has been a guiding light in virtually everything I have done in my live so far. Dear, inspired, and wonderful Grandmother, this woman is you. I have always been so proud of you. I am so proud to be related to you. I am so proud when people tell me that I am like you. It is one of the greatest compliments I can receive.
What are some of my favorite memories of you? I think about how you took one stick of spearmint gum out of your magic purse and split it into 6 or 7 tiny pieces so we would be good in church. I remember your really cool clip on earrings. I loved playing with your lipstick that would go on clear and then turn orange and wouldn’t wipe off. I loved your blue bedroom; your cookie jar that was always full of sandwich cookies; eating raspberries in your garden; eating your nummy grapes off of the dog kennel; and Early Transparent apples from your tree. I played with your old furs and play clothes like crazy in the green room in the basement. You made me some jammies when you noticed that mine were worn out, and also bought me some Vans (cool slip on sneakers). I also enjoyed watching you paint in your special room. I always loved coming to your house for a whole week! You made me feel so important.
I think the reason I look so forward to being a grandmother myself is because I saw how much you enjoyed being grandma to me. You enjoy me. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I grew up feeling that I was one of your favorite grandchildren…and talking to cousins and siblings they thought that too. That means you love us sooooo much and so well!
I loved sitting in your “nice” room and having family counsels and testimony meetings. I loved seeing you and grandpa pull up in your motor home, or your big car. It meant things were going to be exciting. That’s what you are! You are exciting to be around! You make things so fun! You crack me up with your wit, your ease of being teased. So much of me that I value I have learned from you.
My sweet friend, inspiration, example, and Grandmother, what would I be without you. I hope this birthday is wonderful. I wish I could be there. You will be so happy to know that I am so very happy. I am tired (this move has been busy!), but I am so excited about life with Jim and with my 5 kids! They make it so easy to be happy!
Happy 85th…..I hope I look as beautiful as you when I reach 85!
Your fan and granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Sanders Thomson Thatcher! (WHEW)
P.S. Don’t worry, I’ll be going by Sarah Thomson Thatcher officially.