Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Pansies remind me of my late grandmother,
Ethel Mae Myers.
Today was her birthday.
She was a great person who taught me a great deal...
She was an independent woman, long before it was en vogue-
She worked in women's fashion, retail.
She was a widow,
my grandfather was quite a bit older than her.
She used to drive to visit me and my three sisters every Sunday.
She'd take us for long drives in the countryside.
I still get chills thinking about our trips along the cliffs of the
Shawangunk Mountains, going towards Ellenville...
In the Autumn, my grandmother would take us
to the lovely Hudson Valley apple orchards,
for a bushel basket of McIntosh's.
Every Autumn that comes and goes since, I remember that...
I remember her stories,
of her girlish days...
She took zero guff from anyone.
I always admired the way she dressed-
Her beautifully tailored wool suits, silk stockings, and her granny dynamite style handbags and matching gloves.
Her scarves, and simple yet elegant jewelry.
Her hair was always so neat and stylish.
Her favorite perfume was Ma Griffe by Carven.
She was always feminine, and in control of things...
She was patient,
but don’t you dare think about crossing her.
She taught me how to drive on her standard shift
1967 Volkswagon Beetle.
Her words: If you don’t listen, you don’t drive.
I listened.
She was one of the people in my childhood whom I had a genuine respect for:
I learned by her example.
She left me her beautiful Amethyst birthstone ring,
and as much as I adore it,
I'd trade it in a minute just to talk with her again.
She loved me and my sisters equally.
She was a stickler for fairness-
She always made sure she gave equally to each of us,
both in attention and gifts.
Each of my sisters loved her as much as I did.
We all still do...
On her birthday, I’d like to offer this tribute to her memory.
Thank you, Gramma...
Till next time... ‘Mela
9:57 PM
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Photo: Michio Yves Ueda
