My grandmother came to the U.S at age 5 from an island in Norway – and her family settled in Chicago.

My grandparents met eachother in the church choir and were a great couple: always laughing, always partying and always fighting for the underdog. They were really generous and open minded and loyal.

Both of my grandparents were big advocates for the civil rights movemement in a time when it was not fashionable to be so in Chicago. This makes me proud.

Laughter has always been central to our family's communication. And my grandma's sense of humor is good, and twisted. Her latest thing is to smile sweetly, get your attention, and then cross her eyes. It cracks me up – it cracks everyone up. She has SPECIAL POWERS.

When we went to Norway years ago my grandmother prepared me with one phrase only in Norwegian: "yes, I am pouting." She thought that it would be all I needed, and since I was twelve, she was right.

As the wiG model I feel she says it all, but I have a feeling this wil be her last year of shots.
Although she still pulls the sweet face followed by the crossed eyes, I'm sensing that she might not realize exactly what's going on around her lateley. I wish she could know how many fans she has.

Love you Grandma!