The Perfect Gramma...Gram
After three years, I can still see Gramma Frances quite clearly.In my recent times visiting with her, we had alot of fun. The two of us would sit all cozy in her apartment at dinner time, or eat downstairs, on weekends we had to wing it with dinner (laugh), and watch her favorite shows on television. Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. She also like to watch the National Geographic channel and PBS. I had my daughters with me and my husband sometimes, and I would take them to " Your Black Muslim Bakery" in Oakland on San Pablo, and buy a Blueberry Swirl Bean Pie to eat after dinner. Gram would sometimes surprise us with a Trader Joe's Apple Pie! My husband and I would stay weekends. Our routine was going to the Grocery store and picking up, Orange Juice, Sparkling water to put in it, Bread and a few other items for snacks! We would always ask if she had painted any new paintings? She was usually working on one of her master pieces! In conversation, Gram would share with us some stories of her childhood and her giant family. A favorite was about her sister Rebecca who would defend her, givin someone a whack, if anyone teased her or used the "N" word towards her. Gram would make us laugh because she really did say in her childhood, " Sticks and Stones will break my bones, but names will never harm me!" She really meant it! We would go for short walks and frequent the Thai restaurant on the corner. I must say, she was always a great driver and never got a ticket...She always had a full library. She shelved, Black History, Art Books, Novels and read them all! She loved to read! She would have us laughing in the Dining room because she woul repeat over and over that the people talked too much. My husband and I would go for walks up University. My old stomping grounds. I miss visiting Berkeley...Well, Gram was one of the greatest gramma's around. She was known by her signature paintings. She is missed by all of the grandchildren. She kept us laughing...She was an "A" college student and loved education. She would always say, " Get an education"...She inspired us all...