What do you get someone who’s experienced 90 wonderful years of life? That’s the question I pondered a few weeks ago as I thought about what to get my grandma for this special birthday.

On April 6th, my grandma reached a new decade...the 90s! She was so excited about this birthday and planned various small parties to celebrate. We also put pictures and a write up in five different local papers. The pictures were of Grammy as a 17-year-old bride and of her at 88 years young.

We also requested a card shower in her honor. As of today, Grammy has received more than 180 cards! She has truly enjoyed hearing from friends and family around the state.

I mentioned that Grammy had a few gatherings to celebrate her special day. One was with my parents, my brother and his family and my family. We went out to eat and enjoyed cake and ice cream. Then Grammy opened her presents.

I finally decided to give Grammy a scrapbook, a reflection of her through my eyes. You see, my grandparents, Grammy and Poppy, were like second parents to me. Since they farmed with my parents, I saw them almost daily. They were there to get me from school, to give me a pony, to help us sort hogs, to hear my graduation speech and to see me walk down the aisle. I lost my Poppy more than eight years ago, but I'm so glad Grammy is still here to see my children grow...and for my kids to make memories with her.

My scrapbook features a simple blue linen cover with a square picture of Grammy on her wedding day. Inside, I filled the album with various shots that tell the story of her life with me and my family. I plan to add to the album with pictures I took the day of her birthday party.

My family knows I love pictures, so I think this gift speaks from my heart. Grammy has lived a beautiful life, and I'm so thankful for her wisdom throughout my life. As my husband told her during the party, "You have been a good friend to me and I appreciate it."

Billy Cosby once said, "What is it about grandparents that is so lovely? I'd like to say that grandparents are God's gifts to children. And if they can but see, hear and feel what these people have to give, they can mature at a fast rate."

Grandparents are gifts. And having my grandma on this Earth for 90 years is one of my greatest blessings.

I'd love to hear about your special grandparents. Please share!

Taryn