My Grandmother

This is my Grandmother, Loya Louette Bryant Nolan:

Our family reunion in Kings Canyon / Sequoia National Park that we just got home from (don't worry, I'll post details soon - this one was too good to not go down in the books...) was a gathering of her siblings and their families. Grandmother definitely had the most people there (last year's baby boom helped the numbers), and while we were there we got to celebrate her 88th birthday. There is something about the Bryant's that they just keep on going!

Up until only a year or so ago, my Grandmother would pack up her big gold Chevy that is as old as I am (literally) and drive herself from Southern California to her summer home in Circleville, Utah. I remember as a kid when we lived in Panguitch (about 30 miles away from Circleville) going to visit her there quite often. Mom would load up the big electric lawn mower, and if we all were good and played at the elementary school across the street while she mowed Grandmother's lawn for her, we would get a fruit punch for the drive home. We loved playing at that school. It had the BIGGEST twisty slide that we adored. She had tin cans of rocks that we would sort, and always had a gigantic puzzle going.

My Grandmother has courage and grit, but in the most quiet, dignified manner you could imagine. She is named after a rock in Yosemite National Park, and she had an amazing childhood, travelling across the country, touring our nation's parks with her family growing up. She raised her own family amidst challenges, and still faces circumstances which could test anyone's patience or faith, yet she never has a cross or heated word to say. Don't get me wrong, she has opinions and she'll share them, but they are never in the spirit of anger.

I relate to my Grandmother in many ways. My dad is much like her, and I am like him. Each of us is content with alone time. We don't need a lot of socializing - just a good book, movie, crossword puzzle or some beautiful nature and we feel rejuvenated and alive again. She is someone I can look up to as an example of strength. She has endured much, yet her faith keeps her buoyed. At 88 years old now, I can only hope to have her kind of grace and dignity when I get there.

Happy (late) birthday, Grandmother! I love you!