Oliver & Co.

Dearest Grandma-

I will remember the good times we had together. I remember how you wanted me to call you Grammy, but as I got older, it never really stuck. I remember getting to spend the night at your house, all alone, without any other brothers and sisters to distract your attention. I remember getting to stay up late, and getting to sleep in with you and Grandpa in your bed the next morning. I remember you letting me have my own cup of "coffee" though now I know it was mostly milk and sugar. I remember your pink bathroom with the pink soap, and how you sat in there with me rubbing my tummy when I felt sick and couldn't "go." It was you that introduced me to yogurt, and eating Breakfast at night. It was with you and Grandpa that I coined the phrases "toy-toy" for toilet and "Hosages" for sausage. And it was you two that never let me forget it. I remember the book you customized just for me "Ali and the Mean Brown Dog" where you carefully whited-out the original name "Sally" and hand wrote "Ali" in its place. I remember how you read it to me every time I came to visit. You always let me wear your slippers and nightgowns when I came over, even though I had my own. You don't know this, but when I was living in Alaska, I bought a pair of slippers just because they were the same kind you used to have, and they reminded me of you. (On the same note, Grandpa probably never knew I searched high and low for a bar of "Lava Soap" to have in my laundry room just because it reminded me of him). I remember all the times you would take me to Yardbirds to get Barbies and how I learned you where afraid of rubber snakes! I remember you fashioning your scarf around my head before Grandpa would take me for a ride on his motorcycle. You made me feel like a "Pretty Lady." I will always remember the way you smelled. A fresh baby powder clean smell that I liked so much. Most of all, I will always remember how special you made me feel. Looking back at it now, it was like you put me under your spell, because my visits with you were so magical I never wanted them to end. I wanted to stay at your place forever. I loved the quiet, I loved the peace. I loved being the only one there. I honestly used to fantasize that you would adopt me so I would never have to return to Concord or to my Concord life. You made me feel safe and protected and most of all special. All though you were not a part of my adult life as much as I would have wanted, these childhood memories have always warmed my heart. I only wish that my son could have met you and had a chance to experience that special feeling I had as a little girl. I love you and you will always be my Grammy.