My Grandma

I am getting ready to leave for California in the morning to say my final goodbye to this wonderful lady...

Isn't she one of the most beautiful people you have ever seen? I think she's gorgeous. This is my Grandma Pauline and she passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on Monday night. She was 90 years old. She was an incredible woman. She had a tough life, but smiled and laughed through all of it! Her husband passed on 30 years ago, and she has also seen the deaths of 3 of her 4 sons. This was one of her boys...

Who grew up to be my Dad. She taught him how to be resourceful, care for others, and how to be a gentleman. I loved it when we would go visit her and my Dad, Uncle John, and Uncle Ralph would tease her until she couldn't stop laughing. The words out of her mouth- "Oh, Bobby, Ralphy, Johnny... STOP!!" They would keep going and she would keep saying it. Great memories.

I have to share my all time favorite photo.

This picture hangs above her bed and has for over 30 years. Each time we would visit I would go into her room just to get that giddy feeling when I would see this picture! Breathtaking. Her apartment was always the same, other than a new knick knack that someone from the apartment buiding had given her. She was an apartment manager in downtown Los Angeles since before I was born. She moved in while my Grandpa was still alive and stayed there for the rest of her life. She loved that place. We couldn't tear her away from it to come visit us. When I say she had a tough life- it was true. A few years ago she was mugged on the street by her apartment. She refused to give up her purse and was beat up for it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the only time. I respect her for being tough and not giving in. The world needs more people like her.

Goodbye, my sweet Grandma. I love you and know we will meet again.