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| Grandma, my dad and Uncle George |
However, from her point of view, it was still her 39th birthday. This was my favorite thing about my grandma. Her vivacious way of living life. In her mind, she never grew older. She stayed young. One of my favorite memories that I will always cherish is the day that I called her for consolation. This is how the phone call went:
ME: Hi grandma.
Grandma: Hi Paula dear, how are you? Oh my goodness, it's your birthday tomorrow!!!
ME: Yeah, that's what I'm calling you about. I'm having a really hard time. How did you feel when you turned 40?
Grandma (laughing): Oh honey, I don't know! I'm still 39!!!
So, she and I laughed some more, then she asked me if I was happier than when I was 30. I realized that I was, and I looked better too! She agreed, laughed some more, and gave me permission to be 39 with her.
This 39 year old woman never stopped. In fact, I think my dad got his "doer," "serve" and "work-hard" qualities from her. When grandma got an idea in her head to do something, you couldn't stop her. Dad too. They drove us crazy sometimes, but it was the best thing about them both. (By the way, today would have been my parents' 50th wedding anniversary).
Grandma also knew how to make friends with everyone around her. Even when she went on vacation-a cruise, or tour-she and grandpa always had photos with strangers and she would say-"Oh that's Maria from Chile and her husband-we met them on the boat-nice couple-good friends" like she knew them forever! I think this quality is due to her transparency. She was just very approachable and you knew where you stood with her.
I think that's why I'm so transparent. I have that face that says, "ask me, I'll help, I'll even be your friend!" And I wear all of my emotions on my face-I don't lie very well at all! Sometimes I think this transparency is detrimental to me, but it really isn't. You'll always know where you stand with me.
Of all the wonderful memories, there is one moment that made a great impact on my life. I was going through my divorce-a very painful time. I felt like an ultimate failure. Grandma and I were discussing the divorce when she said to me, "Paula dear, I want you to know that I think you are very brave to do this. And I am proud of you. Plus I never liked him anyway."
Thanks Grandma.
