I thought of my grandmother today. Not just because it's mother's day, but because I was channel-surfing and saw "Soul Train" on. She used to watch it. Yes, I can clearly recall being at Grandma's house, and on Saturday afternoons, she would have it on in the den while she bustled about the kitchen, dashing back in to see it. My German grandmother, watching "Soul Train".

Perhaps things like that are part of what kept her young. She wanted to see her grandchildren's tattoos, piercings, and hear about and see the latest movies. She was always open and interested in everything we had to tell her. She never judged us, but occasionally would let us know she was disappointed in something, like us not finishing a college degree.

She died in October, and I do miss her. I miss going to see her, getting cards from her, picking out cards to send her, and just knowing there was always a hug waiting for me, full of unconditional love.

Happy Mother's Day.