I am greatly saddened by the news I have received from Teresa about our Grandma leaving us. I wish to pass my deepest condolences to dear Teresa, Teri, John and all Grandma’s family and friends. I grieve with you all and miss Grandma already as I know you all do too.
I will never forget Grandma’s unconditional love and kindness, her love of life, her endless energy and desire to help those in need. I remember when in the year 2000 Teresa and Brad brought me from Tajikistan to Redding, California to live with their family and study at Shasta College, Grandma and Grandpa were there at the house, greeting me with open hands, warm hugs and words of love (which with my broken English at the time, I probably barely understood, but I didn’t have to understand it, I felt it!). Ever since I arrived to the US, Grandma treated me as if I was her own granddaughter. I will always treasure and value that. I remember, how with her astronomical speed and energy, swishing from place to place, doing millions of things at once (we all know how frisky could Grandma get at times :)) she never failed to stop and say to every single person around her how much she loved them. She always gave everyone a hug and asked how they were and if they needed anything. That was always her priority. I have been one of the lucky recipients of her love and care. She would always take us out for some fun outing, to the restaurant or shopping and treat us for some type of goodies. That’s Grandma for you. A generous, giving person with a big heart.
When I left Redding for study at EOU, I kept receiving birthday cards from Grandma, often with some very helpful stash of dollars that came along with it, but most importantly with the idea that she remembered and thought about me while I was away. It meant a whole lot to me in those days! I will never forget a beautiful bouquet of red roses from Grandma that arrived at the door of my apartment in La Grande, Oregon for my graduation. I remember it being such a pleasant, heart warming surprise. At the time Grandma and Grandpa already lived in Mexico and they always invited me to visit them. I eventually was able to go to there for Nate and Gaby’s Wedding in 2013 with my husband Nathan, where we received the warmest welcome from Grandma and Grandpa at their beautiful house! And once again, we were treated as part of the family, which we cannot emphasize enough, meant SO MUCH to us! Grandma’s hospitality and kindness to us is something I will never forget.
I will also not forget Grandma’s love of good fun. I remember her sitting at the piano and playing music, which was always a treat to watch. I remember the long, competitive games of Nertz with Grandma. She has always been the Queen of Nertz in my mind!!! I don’t know how can one possibly be so quick at moving those cards around the table! Nathan and I adopted the game of Nertz into our family and think of Grandma every time we play it.
I will always remember Grandma as a fun-loving woman. In many ways she reminds me of my mom. I will also remember her as one of the most productive, hard-working and generous people I know. Someone that I look up to and someone that formed me into a better person. I am forever grateful for the chance in life to know Grandma and be considered her granddaughter. I will forever remember all the words of love she told me.
My heart hurts from knowing that she is not with us anymore, but she is never going to be gone from my memory. Grandma will always live in my heart and her unconditional love will stay with me and be remembered as long as I live. Rest in Peace.
Sanya