It was six years ago today....

[malta blue]

The day before my 32nd birthday, my grandmother lost her short battle with lung cancer.

She camed to the US in 1945, a naive, impressionable girl from the Dominican Republic. She had no skills to speak of, she couldn't even cook, but she could sew. After marrying my grandfather, a womanizing merchant marine, she had two daughters within 350 days. She soon kicked him to the curb and raised 2 girls, alone, in New York City at a time when a single, hispanic mother was unheard of. She worked the same job for 41 years, making bridal veils and hats.

Oscar de la Renta, the designer, spent his early days in the US living with her in her tiny apartment on W. 111 Street in Manhattan. He was a beggar child in Santgo Domingo and my great-grandmother gave him food on many ocassions, and he became a staple in my grandmother's childhood home. When he needed a place to stay after arriving in the US, he knew he could count on her.

She was a kind and beautiful woman. She was an amazing storyteller. I miss her so much.:cry:

I wish I could tell you all the wonderful things she did and said. I was truly blessed to have had her in my life.

To all who have their grandmothers still with them: Cherish EVERY moment. Their time with you ends way too soon.

For my grandmother: Un besote para ti mi adorada Tata, de tu nieta querida Raquel.

[blockhead]

1. she's very pretty. n/t

[malta blue]

4. Thank you. I miss her very much. eom

[Guava Jelly]

2. She is absolutely beautiful

And from your description on many levels.
:hug:

[malta blue]

3. Thanks - today is going to be a rough one...

:hug:

[NewWaveChick1981]

5. I know you miss her, Malta...

:hug: :pals: She sounds like a remarkable woman! I feel the same way about my own grandmother (RIP). :D

[malta blue]

6. She was remarkable in so many ways.

She was always up for a family gathering and had a great sense of humor. When I was 14. on Christmas Eve, some of my family member had descended to the basement to participate in some activities:smoke: and when her sister asked where everyone was, she responded with "They are downstairs looking for Maria y Juana":rofl: . Of course, her sister just started laughing, and when the folks came up from the basement, my Tata looked at them and said "I bet you all are hungry NOW".

I know you have some great mememories of your grandmother too. I can only hope that one day I can be half the woman Tata was.

[Shine]

7. What a lovely tribute to your beloved grandmother, malta blue.

:hug: Sounds like she was an amazing woman. She's lovely and I'm sure she knows how much you loved her.

I've lost both my grandmothers, but I know they are still watching over me, just like yours is watching over you. :loveya:

Happy birthday, btw! :toast: :party:

[fladonkey]

8. She was very pretty....

and I love the story about Oscar De La Renta.

[skygazer]

9. What a beautiful lady!

And she sounds like a wonderful, strong and loving person. You're fortunate to have had someone like that in your life. :hug:

[graywarrior]

10. Stunning lady.

:hug:

[fizzgig]

11. what a beautiful tribute to your grandma

she sounds like an amazing woman, thank you for sharing.