A Day with Granner

We went to see Granner after visiting the Bear Paw Battlefield. Granner is turning 100 on Tuesday, and family is coming in from all over. Granner's house is a modest two bedroom home which she still lives in on her own. She has a person who stops by to help her shop, and another who helps her clean once every 10 days, but she otherwise maintains her home.

Granner was very surprised and excited to see us. She had no idea we were coming. My great aunt Willie was there as well helping her get the house ready for visitors. We spent the day catching up and telling stories. Granner is still sharp as ever and gets frustrated when people treat her otherwise.

Granner's memory is very good, and she even told stories about her own great grandfather. He immigrated here from Ireland. I had no idea that part of my heritage was from there! She told me about how when she was a child she wished she could have been part of the Oregon Trail travelers. She moved from Minnesota to Montana when she was eight years old. Her former house was picked up and moved two or three time. I guess that was easier to do than building a new one!

She is currently crocheting four baby afgans for family and friends. She loves to stay in touch with family, which is apparant by the items around her home. Her house is filled with things she cherishes including pictures of family, a painting by her great granddaughter, a totem carved for her, and gifts from people. A reporter stopped by to drop off a draft of the article he wrote about her for Wednesday's paper. He's also planning to take pictures at her party on Tuesday to run in next Wednesday's paper.

She is such a wonderful lady, and I'm really glad we had some time to spend with her before the rest of the family arrive.