Like almost all kids, I was contracted out to make terrible art work as gifts for all holidays. The grandparents were unfortunately the recipients of most of these gifts. One, a hand-painted tree ornament was given to my Grandma Jean. It was a wooden frame, shaped like a present, with a space in the centre for a photo and painted in blue and green. A personalized note on the back reads simply, " To: Grandma (Heart) Sarah 2002". That date puts me in Grade 10  but let's be honest it looks more like the work of a Grade 3. Anyways, it was a gift for my Grandma Jean, and when she passed, it was given back to me. I hang it on our Christmas tree now every year, along with all 23 ornaments she gave me for each Christmas with her. Together, with the special picture of her and I, they are a beautiful reminder of past Christmas' spent together and every other reason I loved her. I'd like to throw in the fact that since becoming a mother myself, I have a newfound respect for this incredibly strong, patient and kind woman. Looking back at what I remember her to be like as a grandmother, I realize so much more of what she was, and I aspire to be more like her- but maybe not with 7 kids haha. Much love Grandma Jean. Thank you for the memories!