I always liked that Grandma Hein’s birthday fell on Groundhog Day. It’s not that I think the groundhog does a very good job of predicting the end of Winter, but the weather man often misses it too, so there is that. Nevertheless, Groundhog Day is a fun day, and a lot of people enjoy the anticipation of it, whether the groundhog is right or wrong. I think Grandma liked having her birthday be on Groundhog Day. It was like an extra celebration to her celebration, and that made it fun, at a time of year when Winter is weighing everyone down.
Grandma was born in 1909, the eldest of two children born to Chester Leary, and his wife at the time, Viola Kirby. When she was ten, her mother left, and Grandma was needed to help around the house. It was a tough time. Her dad was a single dad for much of Grandma and her brother, Kirby’s young lives. He worked on the Northern Pacific Railroad as a yard clerk. It was a time in their lives when everyone had to pitch in. Grandma and her brother had to get things done around the house, because their dad worked long hours at work. Those were different times and for them hard times. Many of us would wonder about the kids being home so much of the evening alone, but kids at home doing their chores were much safer then, than they are in this day and age. The two of them knew that they needed to get the house cleaned and supper on the table by the time their dad got home. They weren’t afraid they would get in trouble if they didn’t, but rather because they knew how tired he would be. Grandma spoke so highly of her dad, that I know she felt nothing but love and respect for him.
Grandma grew up working hard for a living, something that she carried on to the years of her marriages and to motherhood. She raised five children and helped on the ranch she and Grandpa Hein owned. She grew a garden
and canned foods, cooked the meals, and helped with the animals and the rest of the chores. She instilled respect and honor in her children’s lives, and every one of them grew into great men and women. She was blessed with twenty grandchildren, and a number of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Her family is still growing, and she would be very proud of every one of them. I still miss Grandma very much, and Groundhog Day, reminds me of her. Today is the 116th anniversary of Grandma’s birth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandma. We love and miss you very much.
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