The pretty lady pictured here with me when I was about 4 or 5 years old turns EIGHTY today!!

Life: the gift that keeps on giving. Thank God for giving Grandma such a long and healthy life. Allowing her to see the births of six healthy grandchildren (below). And thanks, Grandma! I’m sure, like me, my sisters and all my cousins are very thankful to you for giving our parents the gift of life. We wouldn’t be here without it! I love you!!

PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS

Lord Jesus,
you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love on Grandma Hornburg and grandparents the world over.
Protect them! They are a source of enrichment
for families, for the Church and for all of society.
Support them! As they grow older,
may they continue to be for their families
strong pillars of Gospel faith,
guardian of noble domestic ideals,
living treasuries of sound religious traditions.
Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,
that they may pass on to future generations the fruits
of their mature human and spiritual experience.

Lord Jesus,
help families and society
to value the presence and roles of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded,
but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed
in all the years of life which you give them.
Mary, Mother of all the living,
keep grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage,
and by your prayers, grant that all families
may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,
where you await all humanity
for the great embrace of live without end. Amen!