Thanks, Grandma
So my grandmother passed away this morning. She was a good woman, a very good woman. She’s the one who knitted me the absolutely ridiculous Rastafarian cap last Christmas because “that is what all the kids are wearing” in her neighborhood (she lives/d in South Central, no joke) and when I was little she sewed overalls and a sweater set for my stuffed animals. In high school, she wanted me to get my eyebrow pierced because she thought it was kind of cool, but more importantly it would horrify my mother. She was also the best cook on the planet, and now that honor goes to my mother. I’m sad, but I’m OK. She led an amazing life, saw her first grandkid, etc. All the stuff people say about grandparents, you know, applies here. But I’d like to point out her last words to me, which I thought were very fitting for her. She had a heart attack on Sunday and I talked to her the next day while she was in the hospital. “Hi Annie, how are you? Eat well. Get married. Take a nap. I’m gonna go now.” That made me laugh. Like do it in that order, you know? Eat, marry, nap. So then my mom was like “So, did you HEAR THAT? Do you UNDERSTAND? Get on it!” Anyway, it’s not a bad swan song for my grandma.
So thanks, Grandma. I’ll miss you.
I’m so sorry, Annie. She sounds like a cool person.
Promise us you’ll wear the rasta cap all day long tomorrow.
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel privlgeded to have that little piece of her from your post. I can only imagine all the great memories that you have of her. Plese find solace in thos memories , they are so beautuful.
I’m sorry to hear that, Annie.
What a cool grandma! My grandpa was really awesome, too… And when he passed away I was less sad and just more happy that I had the chance to get to know him before he died, you know? How’s the rest of your family taking it?
Eat, marry, nap. That is an awesome plan! Of course I have an insatiable appetite so I will probably never get past step one.
It’s sad to hear about the passing of a grandma as epic as yours. She obviously gave you so many great memories. It’s your job to learn what’s inside them and make it your own going forward. It sounds to me like she is some big part of your amazing sense of humor annie… and that’s epic too.
Very poignant and grandmother-like for her to say.
Sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry, Annie. Your grandma was an awesome lady.
I wish you’d taken her advice and gotten an eyebrow ring, just so Anne Mommy could have given the world a kick ass diatribe for you to record in an essay.
I hope you tell even more of your Grandma’s stories. We could all use a little more of her outlook on life!
Also, I think you will make an awesome witty grandma yourself one day. I hope you reverse you stance on procreation.
My thoughts are with you and your fam.
Sorry to read that Annie. All the best, and I am sure that those thoughts wil be with you for the rest of your life.
My two grandpas died but I truly keep them really close, they are an important piece in what I am.
My condolences, Annie. It’s great that you have good memories to keep of her, and I’m sure you’ll do her proud with the eating and the napping part, maybe even the marry part later on.
My best to your family.
Baruch shalom, grandma. Now I know where you get your awesomeness from.
What an amazing woman she is!! In so many ways, so are you. Celebrate her life by being excellent once in awhile at something you love. Her energy will be around you every time you think about her.
First time your blog ever got me teared up, except for that whole thing with the eyebrow, and the internets, and the fashions, and …well you get the picture. Love ya.
Hey annie-ive been reading your blog ever since I read your “dear Architects” article…and yes im in architecture. Well im a student, next year im graduating..and hopefully eventually I will be an architect. Anyways never commmented before until now, just want to say I totally understand what you are going through, but I like the way you stay positive of the situation. My grandma has knitted me probably way too many multi coloured scarfs, and fed me way too much. Being Chinese she tells me all the time to eat, sleep and to marry right after I get a job.
Well I just want to say sorry for the loss, and I hope her spirit lives on with you.
thinking of you and missing my grandmas, annie. i love grandma stories. keep ‘em coming. sending good thoughts to you & your fam…
No wonder my life is out of whack. I’ve been going eat –> nap –> marry. Granny just changed my life.
May your kitchens be ever cleaner
& your cheeks be washed with tears,
yet from minds, may your dear lady
be never cleansed through all the years.
sorry for your loss annie. she sounds like such a sweet soul. sweaters for stuffed animals, that is so adorable!
Annie, your grandma rocks!!!
dear annie, i’m sorry to hear about your grandma. thanks for sharing with us her outlook on life. she’s wise and knows what’s going on!
Sucks, dude. I am sad for you but happy that you have good memories and wise words to carry forward.
my grandma also passed away this year. it’s very sad coz she’s the nicest person on earth. at least your grandma and my grandma will meet in heaven
sorry to hear, annie.
when it’s time for me to go, i hope i have an amazing granddaughter who’ll write me the best eulogy ever.