There are some words you hear (or read) that automatically make you smile.  Maybe it is “puppies”.  Maybe it is “chocolate” (or “gin and tonic)”. Despite the fact that she has been gone many years, I cannot say “Granny Harris” without a smile.  

Today was Granny’s birthday. Today is the reason friends and family (FRAmily) will be partying tomorrow.  Rain or shine, we will be smiling.

My great-grandparents were Wladyslaw and Constancia (Niewiedomska) Sitkoski.  (I dare you to say that combination of names three times fast!)  They met in Poland and were married February 3, 1909. The bride was 22 and the groom was 27.  They arrived in New York City on May 27, 1916 with two-year-old Wladzia (one day to be Granny Harris).  They made a choice to leave their home and follow a dream of a better life in America.  

Sound familiar? 

They worked hard.  They raised their family.  Their children worked hard and raised families.  I am here, in part, because of they choices they made.  I am here because of that family.  

My Mum was one of nine kids.  My brother and I are a part of a tribe of 25 cousins, who were my first friends, and today, remain my oldest friends.  To say the least, it is a BIG family, and it continues to get bigger.  We gathered to celebrate Sunday dinners.  We gathered to celebrate holidays.  My family taught me about loyalty and friendships.  My family taught me about laughter.  At the heart of it all was Granny Harris.

Originally, the June celebration started to celebrate Granny’s birthday.  It was on the Sunday closest to her June 23rd birth date.  Years before she died, she asked my mom and dad to continue to hold the celebration, even after she passed.  Why? She knew the importance of keeping family together.  

Tomorrow we will remember Granny Harris.  We will remember those who are no longer with us.  We will eat and drink.  We will share hugs and stories and laughter.  We will meet new members of our growing FRamily.  We will celebrate life.

As I sit and write this morning, I am smiling.  I am thankful that all those years ago, Wladyslaw and Constancia took a chance.  Of course, there were hard times.  Every family has them.  Our family has a big heart, and with that, we have been resilient. I am thankful that with my family, I grew up learning to love and laugh.  

Happy birthday Granny!  Thank you for your smile.  Thank you for the gift of your life.