Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my grandmother—who will be ninety-two this year. Ninety-two. Let that sink in. She’s literally twice my age, which feels impossible and miraculous all at the same time.

And the best part? She had no idea we were coming. It was a total surprise. When my mom, sister, and I showed up, the look on her face was priceless—equal parts shock and pure happiness.

It wasn’t anything extravagant. It was just me, my mom, my sister, and Grandma. We sat around for a few hours. We caught up in the way only family can. The conversation meanders without agenda. It is part updates, part laughter, and part quiet pauses. In those quiet moments, you just look at each other and feel grateful to still have this moment together.

After a while, we decided to grab lunch at Bowl 66 in Chandler, Oklahoma. Walking inside feels like taking a step back in time. The walls are lined with old gas pumps and retro business signs. Little bits of Route 66 history adorn the interior. They make you reminisce, even if you didn’t grow up in that era. It’s nostalgic in the best way. And beyond the charm? It’s so much fun. You can bowl a few frames, hit up the arcade, or even play some indoor putt-putt. And the food? Surprisingly dang good. Way better than you’d expect from a bowling alley.

So there we were—three generations’ worth of life experience between us—eating good food, trading stories, watching my grandmother smile.

At one point, I turned to her. I asked, almost casually,
“Grandma, what would you think about taking a train ride to Fort Worth this fall?”

And oh… the look on her face.

Her eyes lit up in a way that I can’t even fully describe—it was pure, unfiltered joy. Like I’d just told a child, We’re going to Disney World! She leaned forward. Her voice had this spark. It made me realize something important. No matter how old you are, the idea of an adventure still stirs something deep inside.

It’s funny, because my grandmother isn’t just “my grandma.” She’s this pillar in our family. A rock. A beautifully strong, educated woman who has spent her entire life proving that age is never a reason to stop living, learning, or chasing what matters to you. She’s shown me over and over again that resilience doesn’t fade with time—it grows.

And as I sat there, listening to her talk, I couldn’t help but drift back to my childhood. Back when Sundays meant dressing up for church with her and my grandfather. Back when I’d hold her hand as we walked up those church steps, the smell of old hymnals and coffee in the air. Those are some of my sweetest memories—simple, ordinary, but laced with so much love.

I guess that’s the thing about moments like this. They remind you that life isn’t about the big milestones or the flashy celebrations. It’s about sitting around a table with the people who’ve shaped you. It’s about the generations before you who paved the way without even realizing it. It’s about seeing that spark in your grandmother’s eyes and realizing—we’re never too old for wonder.

So yes, this fall, we’re taking that train ride.

If I’ve learned anything from her, it’s that time moves quickly. Nonetheless, love—and a good adventure—can make it feel like it’s standing still.

No likes. No comments. Just this quiet reminder to go hug your people while you can.

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📍 A Little Hidden Gem:
If you ever find yourself near Chandler, Oklahoma, make a stop at Bowl 66. It’s more than just a bowling alley—it’s a nostalgic little slice of Route 66 history. The vintage décor alone is captivating. There’s a fun arcade and indoor putt-putt to enjoy. Surprisingly, the food is great too. It’s one of those places that makes you slow down, laugh, and just enjoy being there.