Dear Granny,

As a young boy, somehow “grandma” came out of my mouth as “b-nana” and stuck throughout my childhood.  You would always say, “That’s my grandson,” and I would always feel the pride behind those words even in your final years. 

We didn’t really get a lot of time together as I started adulthood and moved away to college and you retired to Georgia. However, you still made it to the proudest moment of my life when I received my degree from Michigan. That familiar phrase was used a lot that day.

We exchanged many letters over the years between Michigan and Georgia and back to L.A. You also always included me in your love of shopping by sending some cool clothes if something caught your eye. 

All that said, the times that I will remember and cherish the most are from two years ago when we wereblessed with the chance to reconnect and spend some time alone when you were temporarily staying with me. We would play cards, chat, laugh, cry, listen to jazz, and walkaround the Redondo Beach Pier to watch the ocean. I really got the chance to learn about you and your past. You shared the good and the bad and it really afforded me the opportunity to betterunderstand who you were. Turns out we actually had a lot in common.

My favorite day during that time was your second to last birthday. We took our usual walk to the beach. Then had Mexican food overlooking the water where you were given a silly birthday sombrero (you wore it proudly) as the staff at El Torito sang to you. We had a  cold beer as well and maybe(shh) a little sip of tequila (your favorite). Next, we went to the CAAM to view an Ernie Barnes exhibit because art was your first love. Finally, we sat in the rose garden and people watched and of course laughed a whole bunch. I will forever hold on to the memory of that day when I think of you. That’s how you will live on in my heart. 

Love you always,

Your grandson