Today, my grandmother would have turned 105 years old were she still alive.

Florence passed away years ago, but I still think of her very often. I was very close to her and still often wish I could call her up and chat about all the interesting things that go on in life. She loved the adventures and the stories.

I remember when I was heading out on my first trip to New York and she was almost as excited as I was about going. She told me to take lots of pictures and look twice – once for me and once for her. Upon my return, I called her and we shared all my adventures in the Big Apple.

Often, as I read these letters, I see bits of myself in her. I am thankful I inherited some of her zest for life and tendency to sometimes tread off the beaten path.

Happy birthday, Mimi!

Florence holding a little baby burrito (me)