Today marks the 94^thbirthday of a very special woman. Even at 94 years of age, her strength and beauty are undeniable.

Grammie has always been so proud of her family. Sitting through almost every hockey game of Thomas’, countless dance recitals, soccer games, ultimate frisbee and track meets. Grammie has always been our biggest supporter and number one fan.

But I have always wondered, does she know how proud we are of her?

One summer of my childhood, during a family week at the cottage, the cousins were given a camera and asked to capture what they felt was a true representation of the cottage. Some snapped the ducks or the lake, others the outhouse, but Thomas found a different muse. Grammie. A picture kept in his wallet for the remainder of his days. What better image to represent not only the cottage but our lives. Our matriarch.

A woman so strong she has overcome losing a husband, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson. Who pushed herself out of a “stay at home mom” life to go back to school and get her teaching certificate. (While breast-feeding a baby on her breaks between classes). Worked her way up to the head of the Early Childhood Education for the TDSB, while co-writing a series of children school books. Raised three successful children, 6 grandkids and 2 great grand- children.

What. A. Woman!

Grammie has dealt with more loss and tragedy in her lifetime than she should ever have had to. And handled it all with such poise and grace. A true inspiration.

Her story is one of love, devotion and strength and should never go unnoticed.

They say other things change, but we start and end with family. There could be no better foundation of this family than Margaret Deeth.

She’s my Grammie, my role model, my hero and if I end up half the woman she is, I will be one lucky girl.

So, to my Grammie, you remarkable being you… Wishing you a very Happy Birthday. Thank you for the unconditional, irrevocable love. I hope this next year is full of happiness, love and endless admiration.

Love you until the end of time.

Xoxo

Corey