By Christine Crosby, Editorial Director, GRAND Magazine
Meet Linda Bremer, retired accountant, mom, GRANDmom and Red Hat Society world traveler.
Linda was one of the lucky Red Hat members to recently travel to Dubai to experience some of its many treasures. From the luxury flight on Emirates Airlines to taking in the breathtaking views from the world’s tallest building, the Borj Khalifa, riding a camel on a desert safari to sipping champagne at a high tea served up at the seven star hotel, Borj Arab and more. As Linda exclaimed, “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!”
Linda has that certain something; that happy, fun-loving, adventure seeking personality. The perfect travel mate! It was fun to just be around her as she soaked up and reflected back on the world with her happy smile every minute of this exciting experience.
As she roamed through the spice, gold and textile souks (Arabic for market), she happened upon Mawaheb from Beautiful People art studio. This is an art studio for adults with special needs ages 16 years and above. The studio suitably located in the culturally rich Al Bastakiya region, is a space where student artists can learn artistic skills and develop their self confidence in a relaxed safe environment.
I’d say Linda really loved being in Dubai with her gal pals from the Red Hat Society as these pictures testify.
So what did Linda, this smart GRANDmom do when she got back from her five day adventure to Dubai? She involved her grandchildren of course! She asked them to share something about their relationship with her as a grandmother and their feelings about her going to Dubai. She knows that we never stop being a role model for the next generations.
They sent the following (which is unedited). I’d say Linda is a much loved GRANDmom!
I love you so much grandma. I look forward to seeing you again from the moment I get on that plane to leave. We always have such a wonderful time and you’ve been my best friend since birth. I can joke around with you about things I can’t joke about with my parents. I love you beyond comprehension. I think your visit to Dubai is a spectacular experience for yourself as well as the rest of our family and our country in general.
Dubai is a beautiful location with much wealth and reputation. I have to admit, I am a little bit jealous, but I’m so glad that out of anyone it was you who got treated to such a reward. The pictures you just sent insinuates what I originally thought: that you would have the time of your life. This all opens up windows for our family and everyone else who hears about your visit! I am so proud of you grandma, and I can’t say enough how much I love you.
Michael – age 17
I am also jealous you got to go but you always take us places that end up benefiting me in the future. You are my favorite person in the whole world and no one will replace that. My favorite memory is when we would sit on your back porch during the summer and swing on the chair. You would hold me and we would just talk about my year and all my fears and how school was going. You would never judge me, just tell me advice that
really helped me. You made me feel comfortable and feel like I could tell you anything and I still tell you everything. You are my bff and we have always had a very special bond like no other grandchild and grandma have ever had. I love you to the moon and back.
Lauren – age 13
I love you so much grandma and I wish I could go to Dubai someday. Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always wanted to go to another country. So, I am so jealous that you got to go to Dubai. Also, I love you so much and am looking forward to visiting your house. I love going there and learning new things. I love spending time with you and going to many places in Florida. I love you grandma and hope you had a great time in Dubai. You earned that trip. I love you.
Christian – age 13
About The Red Hat Society
Why a play group for women?
Most women give their all to family, career, and community. And they enjoy it. But, along the way, sometimes our existing bonds of friendship gradually diminish. Membership in the Red Hat Society is a rewarding vehicle for reconnecting old friends, making new friends and rediscovering the joy of getting together with other woman for the express purpose of… having FUN! We whole-heartedly promote periods of “recess” from the cares and duties of everyday life in which Hatters gather for no other purpose than to play.