My niece, who was an amazing granddaughter to my mom, shared this on her Instagram. Every word she shares makes my heart smile and cry at the same time!! I don’t know about you, but I sure hope that one day one of my grandchildren would write something like this about me!

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My sweet Austrian grandma passed this week, and it feels like the world has gotten a little more grey. She was such an incredible human, and I’m so sad for everyone who never got to meet her. Saying “sorry for your loss” doesn’t feel quite right, because really, its everyone’s loss. In that light, I thought I’d share some of the lessons she taught me with you all. I shall call them “Oma’s top ten tips for a good life”

 

1) Be the main character of your own story. Sing too loud, wear cheetah print pants, have dessert for breakfast, give someone an extravagant compliment, dance at dinner, and you’ll reach the end of your life without regrets.

 

2) German bread, deli meat, and pickles are superior, and once you figure that out, you can’t go back

 

3) Write people letters. It’s old fashioned, but opening actual mail on my birthday was always such a treat! I still have so many of her letters saved🥹

 

4) Speak your mind, even when it makes people uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable can be a gift in this day and age.

 

5) Sit in the sun☀️ It warms the soul.

 

6) Celebrate people well. If there is any area of life to be extravagant in, it’s this one. No one could make you feel as special as oma✨

 

7) If you want to wear your biggest hat out to lunch, do it. If you have a dog and you want to push it around in a baby stroller and treat it like a princess – just do it! Live how you want to live and don’t get too wrapped up in how a self-conscious and fearful world will perceive you.

 

8) Don’t let anyone tell you you’re too old. My grandma was flying down the ski slopes into well into her 60’s!

 

9) Be curious about people. Ask them questions, listen well, and you’ll be amazed what you can learn.

 

10) Even when you’re down and out, you’d be surprised how much better a fresh manicure and adorable outfit with matching accessories can make you feel❤️