Today is my beloved Mimi's birthday. Although I have mentioned it before, I think it is necessary to reiterate the fact that she turned 93 today. Not only is she 93, she is also independent, healthy, happy, and still lives at home. God has most definitely blessed her with all of those things. I have never really mentioned much about my Mimi, so I think I'll take this opportunity to pour my heart out over her!
I should begin by pointing out the fact that I am one of very few almost-18-year-olds that has a 93-year-old grandma. (I'm not saying it's a bad thing, just pointing out a statistic.) Most of my friends' grandparents are somewhere between 50 and 70 years old. The reason for this age gap lies in the fact that both of my parents are the youngest in their families and were born when their parents were in their early forties. I, in turn, was born when my parents were in their mid to late thirties. With that in mind, I never got the chance to meet my Grandpa Hladik, because he died back in 1987. I also didn't get as much time with my Grandpa Rudy or my Grandma Hladik, because they both died in 2004. Therefore, it is easy to see why I am so close with my Mimi.
She was born back in 1918, and she has seen many changes in the world in her lifetime. She has seen the emergence and evolution of electricity, indoor plumbing, refrigeration, motor vehicles, farming equipment, telephones, and all sorts of other technological advances. She lived as a teenager during the Great Depression, and lived through the traumatic time better known as World War II. She was the first in her family to graduate from high school, and she still is an advocate for getting an education. When she and Grandpa Rudy got married in 1942, they lived a very simple life.They made their home on a small farm and remodeled an old chicken house so they would have somewhere to live. Eventually, she was blessed with four children, and later, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
If anyone was to ask me who my hero is, I wouldn't hesitate to say that my Mimi is. She is undoubtedly one of the greatest people I know. I have never, ever heard anyone say anything bad about her. It's really just her personality. She is so laidback, and just genuinely happy with life. Probably the thing I admire most about my Mimi is her undying faith in God. I believe that it is this that has gotten her through all of the adversity she has been through. Be it floods, sickness, the death of my grandpa, or her bout with breast cancer, God has carried her through it all. She always prays for everyone that she is remotely close to, and even those that she isn't. My mom has always said that Mimi has a direct prayer line to God. Once, someone told me that if Mimi doesn't make it to Heaven, then no one will!
As I said earlier, Mimi still lives by herself at home. She has told my mom on many occasions that she doesn't want to go to the nursing home, if at all possible, but she would go if it was necessary. She still cooks and she keeps her house immaculate. Every Sunday, weather permitting, she drives herself to church. On Fridays, she drives to the beauty shop to get her hair done. With all of the technological advances of the past few years, Mimi has managed to keep up. She knows how to use her TV remote (she has a newer TV, btw), and she can use her cell phone just fine. She still bakes her famous kolaches and many other yummy treats!
I am so fortunate to have someone like Mimi in my life. It is my hope that one day I can be at least half of the person Mimi has become in her 93 years. She is a true blessing from God. I cherish every moment I get to spend with her, and I try not to take it for granted. Sometimes, it saddens me to think about the fact that Mimi probably won't get to be there to see me get married or have children of my own. Then, as soon as I think about that, I feel very selfish. Everyone has to go sometime. I know that eventually she may not be with us physically, but her memory will live on in everyone who has had the blessing of knowing her, and I suppose that that is enough.
Earlier this evening, my parents and I went over to see her for a while. She was in good spirits, and she was excited to see us. She hinted at the fact that my birthday was soon. (I love the fact that Mimi and I have the only March birthdays in our family :) ) In the time that my parents and I were there, my Uncle Larry and Aunt Marla, and my cousin Michael and his family also dropped in. We all sat together and just chatted about almost everything there was to talk about. It was a great day, indeed!
Happy Birthday, Mimi, and many, many more!
You are indeed very blessed, my dear. As she means so much to you, you should remember that you are that same blessing to her. In our children and grandchildren we are able to see parts of ourselves and our parents reborn in many variations. Happy Birthday to you both, and many more!!
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