Favorite Pics .. MckLinky Blog hop 8/11

My Grandma's 80th birthday, and the fact that she is still here, is nothing short of a miracle. She had a major operation in August 08 that nearly took her life. She was left on a ventilator for quite awhile and then in a nursing home to recover. Though, recovery looked hopeless, somehow, someway she overcame all that lied ahead of her and made it through. She went home sometime in late October. When she was discharged she didn't seem well enough to live, or at least be, on her own. Everyday family members went by to make sure she was eating and getting things done that needed to be done. By January she was back to her old self and not needing support.

In Febuary 09 she had another major operation, that also left her very sick and in the end resulted in yet another operation and another nursing home stay. Things seemed just like the previous year. Not a good situation and really, not quite sure she would live. So, again we faced losing grandma. But, again, being the strong woman she is she overcame all that lied ahead and spent her time in the nursing home recovering once again. Everyday we would visit, never sure what to expect. Eventually though, she was there again. The grandma we all knew. And this year, in June she celebrated her 80th birthday. I couldn't help but think .... what a miracle that she is here, strong, and able to live on her own with very little help.

Here are a few photos:

Just arriving ... she really was surprised by this party!

Seeing her cousin and his wife, I think it had been about 10 years ... so glad they could make it over!

One of her amazing nurses that hadn't seen her since her hospital discharge. She was excited to see her living life and not at death's door...

The eldest member of the family holding the youngest member of the family (at the time)