A Tribute to "Grandma"

Her stories are fascinating. The adventures she had when she was younger make my heart pound. I imagine myself right by her side as she dared to step out on a limb in the tree of life! I would've been there with her if she wouldn't have been born 48 years before me! I'm in my 40's, experiencing the prime of my life and she's nearing the end of hers. She is my best friend, her name is Betty, and she is my grandma.

Two days before Christmas we make our last batch of shortbread. It's her tradition. The flour, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla are all in a bowl and she instructs me to mix it with...