Michael: Kevin, we are a family here and Phyllis is a valued member of that family.Like a grandmother.

A little over 38 years ago, I posed with four other women in my family for a local West Virginia newspaper. I was only a month old, at the most, but how cool is that to have five generations alive all at the same time? I don't remember my great-great grandmother, but do have fond childhood memories of visiting my great-grandmother at her home a couple of times.

My grandmother and mother are still alive (my mom was only 18 here). And oh boy do I have plenty of memories of my Mom's mom. As kids growing up in Virginia, my sister and I spent a lot of time with her. We were never allowed to call her "grandma" or any of the affectionate nicknames given to grandparents, but have always addressed her by her last name.

I could go on and on and probably even do one of those annoying 25 Things lists about her, but will not. While I will find a lot of it funny, and perhaps even endearing in its own twisted way, I'm sure I'd be accused of meanness. Let's just say she is quite a unique character.

Click on photo if you want to go to flickr and see notes.
My grandmother and great grandmother are switched in the text.

Hopefully this bodes well for my longevity.