Paula Buenger PUBLISHER [Click to enlarge]

We're nearing graduation time, and that brings with it earnest speeches about goals and success and "making your mark on the world."

It's a good thing, this yearning toward success. The real question is -- what is "success?"

How can it be measured, quantified, graded?

Well, I just spent a Sunday honoring two of the most successful people I've ever known.

They didn't make a million, write best-selling books or rocket into space.

Their names rarely appear in the newspaper. They don't walk the red carpet. And, they certainly are never seen in the tabloids.

These two have achieved a different type of success, a more humble, yet meaningful achievement.

My two strong, graceful, wise and wonderful grandmothers were honored on achieving the grand old age of 95. Yep, both my maternal and paternal grandmothers hit that milestone this month, within a week of one another. And, they both celebrated with a large circle of family and friends, honoring lives well-lived.

These are women who still are up for a good game of checkers, or Scrabble. They have lively wits and big hearts.

Grandma Johnson still makes my father's favorite raisin cookies. (He's her first-born and, although he's over 70, he's still her baby.)

My Grandma Read, who sewed my own wedding dress two decades ago, just last week showed off the stylish jacket she had constructed over the winter and wore to my son Drew's confirmation.

They may have a lot of miles of road behind them, but neither waste time looking back. Not when there's so much to look forward to.

They've both traveled the road alone for decades, losing beloved husbands. That doesn't mean they've been lonely.

They've seen tragedy and heartbreak, but they aren't bitter.

They've seen a world move from the horse and buggy to the space station. But they continue to thrill at mankind's achievements, rather than long for simpler times.

They've raised children, who've raised children, who've raised children, who value family, honesty and strong faith.

And, as that last generation begins to raise families of their own, those values are carried on.

They didn't start big businesses, or make a loud noise heard around the world. But, those two grand ladies began a chain that continues to grow, and their influence grows with it.

Can't think of anything more successful than that.