I usually try to write something fun in my columns, but, this week, I want to write something important to me. My grandmother passed away not too long ago. We called her Mimi. I’m not sure why — probably an Italian thing. It sounds Italian, and she definitely fits the mold of an Italian grandma: loud, opinionated, always keeping you in line. She could be brutal. I hated it when I was younger, but now, I miss it more than anything.
An obituary in the local paper was $500, so instead, here’s my opinion: We need to hug our grandparents more. But really, I just want to say: I miss you, Mimi. I’ll miss you forever. You gave me the confidence to go to school and be who I am. Thank you.
Mimi was an extrovert in the truest sense. She made friends everywhere. She never missed a birthday or holiday. Even in the hospital over my birthday, she promised to get me something when she felt better. She just never did.
Not that Mimi was the best gift-giver. She definitely gave gifts, but they were usually Walmart clearance items or QVC specials. The clothes were always tacky. If she had it her way, I’d have dressed like a duck hunter, and my sister would’ve looked like Snooki.
Mimi’s mantra was, “Don’t ask if you don’t want to hear it.” Beneath her unfiltered honesty, though, was fierce love. If she teased you, it meant she cared. If she gave you a hard time, it meant she loved you.
Dementia is cruel. There is no cure. All you can do is make someone comfortable. For Mimi, that meant having the same conversations over and over. She’d always ask if I got my report card, and I’d explain they don’t really do those anymore. Then she’d try to give me five bucks to ask a girl to the movies. I never had the heart to tell her movies don’t cost five bucks anymore. Sometimes, the conversations felt like torture, but I’d have them again in a heartbeat.
Losing my last grandparent is strange. I’m officially a grand-orphan. It feels like I’m stepping into a stage of life I’m not ready for. But I know Mimi would be proud of me, no matter what.
If your grandparents are still around, please go hug them. If they’re too far, call them. Tell them how school is going. One day, you won’t be able to.
