I am a granddaughter

I have always been very close to my maternal grandparents. I spent endless days at their little casa as a child, and those memories are some of my dearest. They both have lived full, long lives and my grandpa (papa) is in his 90's with my grandma (tama) not far behind. In the past couple of years they have begun to age at a rapid pace. You could argue that they remained young far past their prime, and you'd be right. I hope evidence of my old age doesn't show up until my 90's too! Recently I have had them both on my mind. The absolute worst thing about being away from home this past year has been being away from them. I know our time with them is limited, and I really hate that I am missing out on their last years. There are things that remind me of them, and I find myself trying to evoke these memories. My grandpa always had a cup or two of instant coffee in the morning. Because of that I keep a container of instant coffee in my pantry, and when I am especially missing him, I'll have a cup. I bought some bar soap the other day because it reminded me of the soap my grandma used to scour me with when I came in from "playing outside" with my brother and cousins, sticky with the smell of "Off" and summertime. And of course, the food. Both of them are excellent cooks and I often find myself trying to replicate the tastes and smells of their kitchen. There is nothing better than my grandmas beans, I promise you. Making their simple but hearty recipes bring me closer to them.
Being their only granddaughter is my special privilege. I wish they would live forever.



Christmas 2008