The last time I really spoke to Dolores was at the dinner table during a Christmas meal. She was seated at one end of the table and her two grandsons, Kelvin and Julian, were at the other end. She was very frail and had been quiet but she suddenly turned to me and said in a strong voice that she and I were lucky to have such beautiful grandchildren. This was a common theme of her conversations with me and it is a comfort to know she was still expressing this sentiment to the end of her life.

Firecracker! Hilarious. Feminist. Spirited, and spiritual as a naturalist. Smart. Kind. Firecracker! Considerate. Thoughtful. Loving. A positive role model for how to be a grand mom and a great woman. The world is a bit smaller without her. She sure was a Firecracker!

It was our first year in  Washington, DC, 1991. I had not known Tiffany that long but Delores came to visit. I believe she came all the way in on the train for she did not care much for flying. She was weary but eager to see what culture DC had to offer. So the first stop was an afternoon at the National Gallery of Art. Tiff invited me along. I was just 21 or 22 at the time, I hadn't really developed an appreciation for art quite yet. As we went from room to room in the gallery, I remember very clearly Delores grabbing my arm and asking me to "slow down!" I wasn't sure what she was referring to but I was a little stunned that this woman was telling me what to do. She said I was racing through the exhibits so fast that there was no way I would have a chance to appreciate these amazing works of art. After a moment of reflection, I realized she was right. Delores said I needed to walk through each room slowly and by each picture deliberately and make a conscious effort to appreciate what I saw before me. She made me stop in front of a painting, read its caption, and reflect. It hadn't occurred to me at the time, but Delores was teaching me a very important life lesson. I have never forgotten that afternoon or her wise words. And I have never forgotten the impression that Delores made upon me from that point onward with regards to her vast appreciation and knowledge of art, critical philosophy, culture. She truly believed in a moral society and she held everyone to the highest of standards. Delores, you captured a special place in my heart, and I am only sorry that I could not have spent more time learning from you. You will be truly missed. God bless you.