90

What I love about this photo is that behind Grandma is a photo of her as a young woman. She is just as beautiful today as she was then. Not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally

 Happy Birthday Grandma Cheena!

My paternal Grandmother turned 90 on October 22, 2014.

I flew to Miami to join my sisters in honoring this woman, who is the matriarch of this side of our family.

Melba Sanchez-Lau is a strong and brave woman. She left Bayamo, Cuba as a teen with a Navy man she met and married. After spending years in Key West, where she raised her son, she left her marriage and Key West and headed to Miami. It was in Miami that my grandmother worked thirty years working for Walgreen's as a "beauty consultant" before retiring.  While she doesn't travel much these days, she has visited many states to spend time with her large family and she often hosts her family when they come in from Cuba, Puerto Rico, or Las Vega. And she won't let you leave or go to sleep (if you are spending the night) until your belly is well full with arroz y pollo, ensalada, or frejoles negros. Of course there is corn and potatoes to go with that and guava juice to wash it down! You visit grandma, ya gotta eat; Alot!

Every day Grandma gets dressed and puts on her makeup. and she always has the same positive attitude she was born with. Cheena is always thankful for her life and the blessings she has had. She is spiritual but not religious and has a strong faith in God. Not one visit or phone call passes without remembers to be thankful for "everything you have."

Grandma's father lived to be 110  (or 114- the jury is out on that one!) and my sister's and I are hoping Grandma lives to be at least as old her father was. I know our family is richer and fuller with her in it and we look forward to many more birthdays with her.

With my sister Nat (right), niece Naomi (a junior Olympian in swimming!), her mom, my sister Tiffany, bro-in-law Frank and Grandma.