Ella and her GG

There is a love affair going on in my home. Ella and her GG (great grandma) have been inseparable since we have moved into the Wirthlin home last June. These 2 girls have the best time with one another and I just cant get enough of it. I hear them all day long laughing, singing, playing "rosies" and chatting. All so often I walk in to see Ella cuddled up on GG's shoulder as she is gently and lovingly being rocked in GG's plush, pink chair. Ella and GG are so in love with each other that it just melts me. Whenever we go somewhere she says,"Come on GG, lets go" and without fail Ella must run in and say "good night" each evening and GG is always met in the morning by an excited Ella with a cheerful" Good morning" and an accompanied hug.

I remember when Grandma came home from a Dr. appointment long ago and was told that she couldn't pick up anything over 20 lbs. At the time ella was only 7 months old so there was no limit to the amount of holding and snuggling she could give. But as Ella grew Grandma would often lament about how soon she would have to deny those 2 small arms which always reached out for her. Eventually Ella hit 20 lbs. and GG insisted she could still carry her for a few more weeks. Then 21 lbs came and then 22. Each month as my ella continued to grow and get heavier GG would insist it was still fine to hold her. And how, she would ask, could she resist such a sweet voice saying, "GG... hold you." I remember the day when finally, months later then she should have, GG told ella that she couldn't carry her any longer. So now Ella runs in to GG's room and climbs right up into her lap with no hesitation where she cozies up for a while. There is truly a special bond between those two that can not be missed by anyone who watches them together. I think they may just be best friends.

Grandma brings so much happiness to our Family and is such a sweet, calming spirit to be around. When people hear that we live with Dave's 91 year old Grandma they always ask if its a lot of work to take care of our own small kids and Grandma as well. I always laugh. Grandma does more taking care of us than ever do of her. I often think that poor Grandma is the one that got the short end of the stick with this living arrangement. But I know she feels grateful and content. Thats just her nature. She is one of the most un-selfish, non-complaining, happy and easy people I have ever met. Grandma teaches us on a daily basis and motivates me to be better and to do better. She is always doing our dishes, much to my requests to stop, making us laugh, playing with our kids,baking up snacks, and finding many other ways to serve and be helpful. I don't know how she does it. When we were asked to live in this home while Dave's Parents served a mission we immediately thought of the financial blessings and other such temporary perks that would come of doing this. We were happy to be able to assist in their desire to serve The Lord. The biggest blessing for me has been quite un-expected. I truly feel that the greatest blessing we have been given in living in Mom and Dad's house has been time. Time with Grandma Hovik. Each day we are blessed by this incredible, kind, loving Woman. I feel so fortunate to watch my Children interact with their Great-Grandma who loves them so much and who's example teaches them. Each day we have the privilege of making memories and watching our kids benefit so greatly from her love. I feel blessed to spend these years of her life living with her and serving her in any ways that she will let me.

Everyone loves GG... especially her Ella, who's eyes light up in ways no one else can get them to.