Today marks six months since my grandmother’s passing. When I look at photos of her, it is hard to imagine that I won’t hear her voice again or her piano playing.
She was a woman of class and carried herself with dignity. Talented, beautiful, patient, loving, generous- she seemed untouchable. How did she do it all? Always fashionable yet not giving easily into trends, she was up-to-date on the most current affairs. Learning music by ear and developing her infamous Dolly-style piano playing, she was nicknamed “song bird” and became a notable singer and dancer on the 1940’s Seattle music scene. Certainly she was a head-turner, and eventually my grandfather, also a saxophonist in the band, won her heart.
My grandmother had the gift of seeing something un-noteworthy and would turn it into a one-of-a-kind piece. Because she was really a one-of-a-kind lady. She managed throughout the year and every year to go shopping for all her children and grandchildren, finding little treasures in antique shops and whatever store along the way, seeming to find just the right gift for everyone. Often I received gifts from her “just because” she was thinking of me. I felt really special as a grandchild and I cherish the jewelry and clothes she gave me over the years.
Her home, where ever it was in the world, was always open to family and strangers alike. Her nieces, nephews and grandchildren recall her house being a “sanctuary.” After my grandparents retired, their mansion on a golf course in San Clemente was my favorite place to go to as a child- especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Full of music, laughter, love, food and lots of rooms where a young girl could explore.
Being quick-minded and witty, my grandma hardly failed in making jokes and jabs. Nothing much got past her or went unnoticed. I remember when she (in her mid 80’s) bought a Dodge Magnum and was displeased when the license plate read “NARC758”. She said she didn’t want people thinking she was a drug addict. *rrrriiight Nani* So to follow in her usual Nani self, she changed it to “MAGNIF” because she was-well- a magnificent lady.
In the most passive-aggressive way, my grandma was also a rebel. She found the bright yellow fire hydrant in front of her house an eye sore. So she had a clever idea and brought upon herself on two different occasions to paint it a different color (green and gold I hear the story tell). And each time the city came to repaint it and to reprimand her. But her being a bad-ass already began as a teenager when she learned to drive (without a driver license) the public bus her father owned. She did her thing and rules didn’t necessarily apply to her.
But of all these qualities her love for Jesus guided her all her life. She had strong convictions and was, despite performing in night clubs, religious. Her beliefs and convictions naturally lead to conflicts in her music and acting career and, due to not willing to compromise her Christian beliefs, she decided to leave the scene and start a family. Her children never missed Mass and her goal for her family was that they each would have a relationship with God.
My grandma was a peace-keeper and hated to see people fighting. She always said to me that the relationship with my sister was very important, because we will only have each other when we get older. So it was best to learn how to get along. My grandmother also shared more wisdom which I have appreciated and cherished into adulthood.
Whenever anything was lost, I would hear her famous chant under her breath “Jesus was lost and Jesus was found.” What she searched for may not have always been found, but it showed that she had hope in even in the small circumstances.
Many family members say they feel they could never live up to her greatness. I’m honored to be in her legacy, knowing I am a product of their love that lasted 70 years. Last year on December 16th, my grandma entered peacefully into eternity. Since then, I imagine my grandmother has been entertaining St. Peter and making everyone laugh. My dear Nani, I miss you so much and find peace that we will one day see each other again.