I didn’t think I would be writing a remembrance letter
about my Grandma just under six months after my Grandfather’s death. However, with the passing of my Grandmother
two weeks ago, that’s exactly what I’m doing.
My Grandmother, Hope L. Delgado, 85 was suffering badly from
Alzheimer’s disease, but I thought I would be able to see her when I return
from my service. As I write this, I’m
listening to Spanish music, because that’s what my Grandma played in the house
when I was younger, but it’s not helping.
My Grandmother was a ray of light whenever she came into
a room. She always brought energy and
love to everyone around her. Going to
Grandma's to stay overnight when I was little always made me excited. Together with my Grandpa, we would go to the
movies, the park, and bring Chicago hot dogs home or pizza from Vito &
Nicks. (I’m getting hungry just writing
those items.) She always shared stories
of growing up in Chicago.
Chicago
My Grandma loved this City. She worked at Marshall Fields when it was
called that & was proud of it. Now,
it’s called something else, but that’s another story. She would walk with my Mom & I in the
store to look at different shops every holiday season. Another Chicago story she told was growing
up on Taylor Street. All of her brothers
& sisters had a choice of either taking the bus going to the park or
walking to the park & taking a bus ride home. The choice was always simple for them and
that was taking a bus to the park, so they can start playing at the park as
soon as possible. Her family might have
been tired at the end of the day, but to them it was more time at the park
& that was all that mattered.
Similar to my Grandfather, Grandma was a terrific
cook. Her mole & rice were out of
this world. Unlike the hot cakes I
found in the Olongapo City market that I found before my Grandfather died, which were one of the items my Grandfather made; I haven’t
found anything remotely close to my Grandmother’s cooking in the
Philippines. However, she would
encourage me to try some of the new foods here & I have. Just the other day, I tried Chicken liver; it
tastes like chicken, but on a stick. Not bad for 12 pesos.
I was one blessed Grandson and now one incredibly sad
Peace Corps Volunteer. However, I'll be
ok knowing my Grandma is now at Peace and joined with my Grandfather & Mom (their
daughter) in spirit. May she rest in
Peace. If anyone knew my Grandmother,
please post your memories below.
