So I got unexpected message yesterday that my grandma seemed very sick and might pass that afternoon.
It was unexpected because even though she’s 92, she hasn’t been very sick. She had a nurse with her because she’s been having back pain and we were trying to figure out her pain management situation. One can consult with Larry Parker M.D. to know more about spinal treatments.
I immediately went to see her and be with my family. It was very sad, but I’m grateful we had that time.
She passed away this afternoon. It was very peaceful and more than anything I’m glad for the timing that I a was there with my mom right then.
I want to share some random facts about my Grams and my relationship with her. I love her very very much.
I don’t think there is one right or normal way to have a family. So I’ll just say that my relationship with my Grams was very special because I grew up living with her and my mom from birth till some point in high school. She played a big part in taking care of me and my brother growing up.
She always yelled. This is probably why I’m so loud.
She loves whiskey. She used to drink it with water but in her later years she switched to whiskey and soy milk to be healthy. Ha!
Her favorite Mariachi song is Volver and I don’t think anyone in my family can hear it without thinking of her. It’s my favorite too.
Her husband (my mom’s dad) died when my mom was only 18. So, I never met my grandpa. She dated when I was a kid but never remarried.
One of my favorite childhood videos is of Grams asking my brother to give a blow-up Easter bunny a kiss. He takes a couple steps back and runs toward it and completely tackles it like a football player. Ha! Classic.
She played the piano. Come to think about it, I really don’t know how she learned.
She was fully bilingual but didn’t raise my mom speaking Spanish… then my mom didn’t raise me speaking it either. This makes me sad and I really want to learn it.
But she would get mad at us in Spanish, so we know some of those words…
She’d go to Vegas a lot when I was a kid and bring my brother and I cute little souvenirs…. tiny toy slot machines, fun key chains, random glittery dice… my favorite was a pair of nail clippers that I had for years.
She was a good cook. I remember her making tacos and enchiladas a lot. I think any kind of meat ended up in a taco!
She loved fancy Persian cats and had two while I was growing up. One was Tiffany and the other was Cubby, but his official name was Sir Winston the III or something.
And because this post needs a little comic relief here is a picture of me as the chubby lil cat dressing weirdo I was and still am…
I’m going to miss her.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and support on Instagram and Facebook. I really appreciate it.
Love,
Monican
I also want to note… my podcast came out today. I recorded that first episode over a month ago. In it I talk about how I started running – for the longest time I would go visit her and walk on her treadmill. It’s a coincidence that I mention her in it since I don’t talk about her that often and it launched today and she passed away today.
The podcast is available on RER to download but it takes some time to get on iTunes and Stitcher. It will be available there in the next two days. Thanks for your patience on this. I’ll follow up as soon as it’s available there.
She sounds like an amazing woman and I’m sorry for your loss. My grandmother passed when I was deployed to Kuwait last year and she was an incredible force in my life. I was able to be there for the funeral, which was nice, but I still miss her each and every day.
Your Grandma sounds like an amazing woman. I am really sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family and you during this time.
I’m so sorry, Monica. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I listened to Volver and event though I only understood a little bit, it is a beautiful song.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a very special and fun lady. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Hi Monica, I’m so sorry about your grandmother she sounds like she was a lot of fun. Sending love from
MA to you and your family ☺️
I’m sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your family.
I am so very sorry for your loss! Sending prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Monica, I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. I miss my gram every day and she’s been gone ten years now. She helped raise me. She was my biggest cheerleader.
I am glad you got to be by her side. Thanks for sharing this private moment and your wonderful memories of her.
Amy
I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you had her in your life, and I will say a prayer for her and you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss! She sounds like an amazing woman and you’re so lucky to to have had someone so special in your life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
My grandma passed away yesterday as well. She had surgery recently, but her passing was VERY shocking. She was a funny, super smart, tough as nails lady who liked her margaritas. I bet our grandmas would have gotten along. Tonight I will have a margarita and a shot of whiskey in honor of them. Sending you big hugs.
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope they are having a drink together in Heaven. This was really sweet, I’m glad you chimed in.
Heart felt condolences to you. It’s evident how important she was to you.
I am very sorry for your loss. She sounded like a wonderful woman. She is probably having straight up whiskey while she looks down upon you.
Hugs.
What great memories! I’m sorry for your loss. *hugs*
Monican, please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved Grams. It warms my heart that you were able to be with her.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your grandma, Monica. You are in my thoughts.
Such a joy and blessing to have so many precious years of memories with your Grams. Condolences to your entire family. Take care <3
I am so sorry about your grams. Our time with them is very special. Thank you for sharing your memories. Wishing you and your family so much peace and love.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Monica. Sending lots of love and light to you and your family. <3
I’m so sorry for your loss. May your Gram rest in peace and watch over you from heaven.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You did have a fulfilling and great relationship with her!
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing what was so special about your relationship. Can’t wait to listen to your podcast. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks for sharing about your grandma – she definitely sounds like the type of person anyone would be lucky and blessed to have had in their life. Your family always comes across as loving and fun – so sorry for your loss.
Aww, rest in peace “Grams”. And yes, the coincidence of the podcast and her passing the same day is a beautiful (and orchestrated IMO) one.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing these wonderful memories of her with all of us too. My thoughts go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. It sounds like she was a very special woman and you were both fortunate to have each other!
Oh Monica, I’m so sorry for your loss! I can relate to this a lot because my grandma had the same relationship with me as your grandma did with you, and I lost my grandma very unexpectedly a couple of months ago when she fell down the stairs. I got to spend some time with her the day before and that helped me so much (and still does) so I am so glad you were able to spend some time and say goodbye! Those memories will always be there to help you and I know that you’ll feel her with you through your life.