My Abuelita

Today is Isaac's Birthday. But I am not going to talk about Isaac today. Today is also Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, Mexican "holiday"), which is kind of Ironic because today my Abuelita (Grandma) passed away. Or better yet, I should say that her spirit has passed through the veil and she has been re-united with her brothers, sisters, and parents who have all gone before her. So today I would like to talk about my Abuelita. Above is a black and white picture of her when she was young. And next to it, a painting that was done of that picture. Wasn't she beautiful!

She was born in 1909. She was number 14 of 15 children, born in Tierra Blanca, Mexico. Her Father was from France and her mother was of Spaniard descent but from Mexico City. She had blond hair and blue eyes. Which back in the early 1900's was very rare in Mexico. She had 7 other sisters all of which were very fair and had blond hair, red hair, brown hair, blue eyes, green, eyes and brown eyes. They were known as the most beautiful girls in town. One of my favorite stories that my Abuelita told me was of when she was young, how the young men from the city would come and serenade in front of her home almost every night, because of the beautiful daughters that lived there. It was very romantic. She told me many stories of her youth when I was a little girl. She didn't marry until her early 30's so she had many adventures in her young single life. She was smart and educated. She was the head nurse at a hospital for most of her Adult single life. I loved all of her stories, even though I don't remember very many. Her and I had a very special connection. I was the only grand-daughter that spoke/understood Spanish and I looked the most like her. I like to think that I was her favorite. But I think every grandchild thinks they are their grandmother's favorite. Because my mom was her youngest child and My brothers and I were some of her youngest grandchildren, she was not a young grandma and couldn't really "play" with us, but I still have many many wonderful memories of her and she was the best grandma a little girl could have because she was so full of LOVE. This is how I remember my Grandparents best.I remember when she would come to stay with us, she would scratch my back (and tell me stories) every night until I fell asleep. I remember waking up in the morning and thinking, "wow! I don't even remember her leaving my room last night!" I also remember she made the BEST Mexican food ever! She could really cook! And when she stayed at our house we were always well fed. I also remember her slipping me $20 bills, often, and then telling me not to tell my Abuelo (Grandpa). I also remember her telling a lot of jokes. And then she would laugh so hard at her own joke that would start crying. And you may not know this but she was 11 years older than my Grandpa. And she would ALWAYS lie about her age. It wasn't until my last visit to Mexico that I found out what year she was born. My Abuelo would even lie for her! He would often tell us that they were the same age and then state his age, after which my Abulita would say in a very offended voice, "I am not that old!" It was so funny! I also remember that even though she couldn't "play" with us she would often play Chinese checkers with us. It was her FAVORITE game and she hated losing. So yes, she would cheat, and she was very sneaky about it. But mostly I remember how loving she was, and how she served everyone around her and she always gave whatever she could, she was one of the most Christ-like people I've ever known. I guess that is why it was so easy for her to accept the Gospel all those years ago when no one had even heard of the Church in southern Mexico. She and her Sister Sara were among the first members of the church in Southern Mexico. She truly is a Pioneer.

An example of the Christ-like person she was is a story that my mother shared with me a while ago. My Abuelita wasn't just a head nurse at the hospital, she was also a Nurse Midwife. And she continued to deliver babies even when she was a young mother herself. She would go deliver babies whenever she was asked. Even if the people could not pay her. And when my mother was young her and her siblings asked her why she delivered babies for people that she knew could not pay her? And she simply replied, "If I don't do it, who will?" That was the kind of women she was. And there is no doubt in my mind that when she greets the Savior on the other side of the veil he will thank her for her service to her fellow man. And "When you are in the service of others, you are in the service of God." I love her so much. She will be so missed, but I will see her again someday, that I am sure of.
This is a picture that was taken the last time I saw my Abulita. It was 6 years ago, right after I returned home from my mission. My only regret is that I was not able to see her again before she passed. I wanted so badly for her to meet my sweet husband and my two beautiful children. A year and a half ago, we had bought plane tickets and planned on going down to see them. But then the swine flu broke out and we decided we did not want to take our small children down (Ben, 2 and Abby 3 months) and put them at risk, so we got a refund and were never able to make it down. It makes me sad that now she is gone and I didn't get to see her one last time. But I know she was in pain and longed to see her sisters and parents. So I know she is happy and I am happy for her. I love you Abuelita, thank you for your example, and your love. Te Amo! Till we meet again!