One of the great, shining lights in my life is celebrating a huge milestone today. My grandmother, Joyce, is turning 80.
Those close to me know what an angel this lovely lady is in my life. She has been a constant source of unconditional love for me. She is one of my best friends on this earth, as well as my biggest fan. I think she’s kept every poem, card, and story I’ve written. I can’t tell you how much that delights me and how special that is.
No matter how old I get, I still beam at every “Melly,” “Angel Girl,” and “Baby Girl” that comes out of her because the words are so filled with love.
She is a much adored matriarch of a crazy family. Being with the Hoyts can be akin to being in the midst of a whirlwind. We are loud. We are witty. We are talented (musicians, singers, painters, wood carvers, writers, etc). We are, to say the least, “full of it.” And it all starts from her.
My grandmother is a fantastic dancer, brilliant painter, lovely writer, and a great wit. She normally wears a wicked twinkle of humor in her eyes and warm smile on her lips. She loves to laugh and has a lot of sass packed into that tiny body.
If you’re in her orbit, you feel loved – fully and unconditionally. She is one of the most beautiful and kind spirits you could ever meet. She genuinely sees the best in those she encounters. She treasures her friends and never fails to make time for them. To say the least she is a blessing in our lives.
She seems happiest when all of her children and grandchildren have gathered around her. So this week we are celebrating her by doing that. The family is gathering from near and far to honor this lady who is our true North, our home. We’re starting with a dinner tonight and then we’ll have a big celebration on Sunday where we’ll spoil her properly.
Grandma — Many blessings to you on this joyous day. Love you so. Thank you for making this life so beautiful and for sharing your journey with us.
What a wonderful tribute to a great lady! She has always been my favorite aunt in the world, for the very same reasons. I feel fortunate to have settled near her in these last years, as I’d never spent more than a day or two in her orbit previously, as she and we lived all over and distant from each other. How lucky you are to have had her for a grandma…
Oh my, my cup runneth over. This tribute to me and your love letter published previously are overwhelming. You are now and will forever be my special angel.