Dear Grandma,

How do I remember you?

You left a challenge, a challenge that has been running through my mind for the past 6 months.

Do I remember you for your Movie star looks,
or your most valued picture? (The one with ******, you, your father, and Jesse Owens.)

Do I remember you for your love of expensive things,
and your love of the Olympics?

Do I remember for you athletic ability, or for your distain of the Irish blood that runs in my veins?

Do I remember you for cutting flowers together in the garden, or for cutting me out of family pictures?


Do I remember you for your blue eyes?
Or the extensive **** memorabilia that you collected?

Do I remember you for your love of red lipstick,
or for your classist view of the world?


Do I remember you for your modeling career, or the way that my father took all your money before you were dead and put you in the cheapest nursing home he could find, and then left you there to be sedated into oblivion until you died? (A fate I would not wish on anyone).

I guess only time will tell.


Although you did not teach me the lesson that most grandmothers teach their grandchildren, you taught me some life lessons that have changed who I am and how I act for the better.

Seeing you, when I was just 7, malnourished because of your inability to cook, instilled in me the absolute necessity to know how to cook for myself and those around me.

Seeing your apartment choked to the ceiling with everything from newspaper clippings, and designer coats, to mayonnaise jars and mold, made me see the point of cleaning my room, and not having to many belongings.  

When I was 8, seeing you be cruel to the cleaning lady because of the color of her skin, made me feel sick, and resolve to try and treat everyone I met and knew with equality and fairness.


Watching you squander your money on anything the telemarketer had to offer makes me think twice before I buy anything I think I might need.

You have given me many valuable lessons weather you intended to, or not.


I have heard that the line between good and evil runs in every human heart. This is something I believe. I truly believe, that there was good in you.

The last time I saw you, you were barley conscious.

You said three words to me. "I'm glad you came" and smiled. I will remember you for that smile, and I will remember you for the things you taught me.

I wish you well wherever you choose to go next.

I promise to you that, you will be remembered.

Sincerely, your Granddaughter