Rankin Inlet (Oct 04/06) - Violet Twyee squeals with delight as a gaggle of kids wishes her a happy birthday at the Kataujaq Day Care in Rankin Inlet this past week.

The kids are so enthusiastic with their hugs and birthday kisses, one almost fears for her safety as she sinks chin-deep in young admirers.

Violet (Grandma) Twyee roars with laughter while getting a group hug from kids at the Kataujaq Day Care this past week in Rankin Inlet. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

But Twyee doesn't seem to mind one little bit.

In fact, it's quite the opposite. The stately elder the kids refer to as "Grandma" revels in the attention.

The day was a double celebration for Twyee, who blew out birthday candles after accepting a certificate of accomplishment from Kataujaq president Rod Hick for her five years of service at the day-care centre.

She says she enjoys being around the babies, and she's always impressed by how smart the day-care kids are.

"I enjoy working at the day care because my children are all grown up now and this allows me to spend time around kids," says Grandma, clapping her hands in joy to accentuate the point.

"I really want the kids to grow up to be happy, and enjoy being a part of that.

"My favourite part of my job here will always be teaching the kids Inuktitut.

"It's so important for them to learn our language."

It hasn't all been smiling children and good times for Grandma during the past few years.

She's fought a tough battle with stomach cancer twice during that time.

But even that dreadful disease could not break her tremendous spirit.

Today she is cancer-free and enjoying every minute of life as much as she can.

"It (the cancer) is gone and I'm not worrying about it anymore now.

It is very scary to be told you have cancer and I was worried at first.

"But, I decided I had to be strong, so, to me, the cancer was only visiting and not here to stay.

"Maybe it didn't realize how strong I am."

Twyee had to leave the day care to fight her battle with cancer, and the thought of coming back to work with the children again helped keep her strong during the struggle.

Yet, even so, her time away from family, co-workers and the children at the day care was tough to endure.

"The children often make me laugh and feel happy inside.

"I really love them, so I'll keep working at the day care as long as I am healthy.

"I love it when they call me Grandma Violet. It makes me feel good inside."