What is a Granddaughter?

Many of the stories in my book focus on several of my quirkier family members.  One chapter focuses entirely on my Grandma Marlin, who moved in with my family when I was 9.  Grandma Marlin, God love her, was one of the craziest people I've ever known.  She was uniquely morbid and self-centered, and treated me and my brother more like casual acquaintances than treasured grandchildren.  I say this not to be mean, but because it's just plain true. I loved my Grandma very much, but she was more likely to tell me about a dead cat she saw in the road than she was to give me a hug or bake cookies.

I say all of this because tonight I discovered a card my Grandma Marlin sent me for my 7th birthday.  The front of the card was very sweet and appropriate.

Kudos, Grandma, on the rockin' birthday card!

The inside inscription, however, was fairly unorthodox for a 7-year-old's birthday card.  I've produced it in its entirety below:

Dear Jenna,

Looking forward to all of you visiting soon.  It is cloudy out and will probably rain. It's only 8 a.m.  I received my birthday card from Aunt Pauline yesterday with a note in it. Then at 10:30 p.m. your Grandpa's cousin, Gladys, who lives in Barberton Ohio called, but just to talk to me.  We were on the phone about an hour as it was midnight when I climbed back in bed.  She lost her sister.  Happy Birthday.

Love,

Grandma

Oh, it's cloudy and rainy and Gladys's sister just died?  This was probably the correct forum for you to share these things.