Sunday, May 12, 2013
I know my grandma wasn't the biggest fan of kids. She was however, a fan of her grandchildren. I am her oldest grandchild, and here are some memories:
Anyone who knew her would describe a very determined and feisty woman- especially those who knew her at the Bridges. Once when I was visiting I asked, "Grandma what's that woman's name? She responded, "La Bruja"! She was tough as nails and had the best sense of humor ever. She ate like a bird, always. Except when at the bridges, she'd put down chocolate like there was no tomorrow.
Throughout my life, I recognized her display of kindness was subtle.
Between the ages of 16-19 I would drop in regularly while studying at Pan American.
The first thing she would always ask is, "Mimi, have you eaten? Are you hungry?" And regardless of my answer she'd fix me a plate of homemade delicious food.
She regularly had fresh baked bread and butter available. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't even know bread could come anywhere but the grocery store. I remember saying to her, "HOW did you make BREAD!"
I would sit with her and watch TV while she yelled at the people on the TV to "shut up!" And then look at me with a sweet grin and raised eyebrow.
She was always was reading a book, always had a Siamese cat, and always gave me the "good" books after she read them.
While in college and while living in Santa Cruz, California, she wrote me regularly. She was soooooooooooo good about writing.
I have a pillow on my couch that was hers that reads, "If you want the best seat in the house, you'll have to move the cat". I reminded her of this while at the Bridges last year, and she responded with the most heart-felt laughter.
On one of my many visits I asked her, "Why do you think everyone treats you with kid gloves grandma?" She raised her eyebrow and said, "Oh because I'm the grandmother, the mother. You know?"
We had an understanding. I was ok with her cussing and she was ok with my sitting in silence next to her.
She would give me gifts from time to time and always kissed, hugged, and told me she loved me when we parted.
Visiting her at the bridges was hard, and I'm sorry I didn't do it more often. It was hard to see her like that. I think all the people who loved her had a hard time seeing this giant of a spirit so much different than before.
One time I said to her, "Grandma, I want to bust you out of her and take you away." Without skipping a beat she said, "Well, what are you waiting for?"
