Ignacia Valdez Benitez

Monique Benitez

512w ago

To Grandma:

I just got teary eyed and I haven't even finished writing yet!

You are missed.

There are countless memories that I have with you. Some I can recall from memory; the others are triggered by looking at old photographs.
It's crazy to think that when I was born, you were already there: part of my life.
I have seen pictures of you holding me when I was an infant.
Helping me open my gifts on my first birthday.
At such a young age, I obviously didn't know who you were exactly; except that you were there for every occasion in my young life.

My vivid memories start at the age of 6: when our family lived with you in Barton. Everyone recalls how you tended to your garden (I loved your roses). I remember the smell of the porch (because it's where all the dogs hung out). Like Paulette, I remember your favorite tv shows were Maury, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Young & the Restless. I remember you falling asleep whenever each of those shows were on. And Franny and I would try to play quietly so we wouldn't disturb you. Them sometimes, you would talk in your sleep and Franny and I would laugh (but were also scared: you sleep talked and told me to "shut up").
I remember Franny and I dancing to Spice Girls on top of your coffee table and you would laugh at us or clap along. I remember your crossword puzzles and how you would ask for my "help". You were there for all my piano rehearsals and church performances.
I remember that you weren't a super affectionate Grandma (and that's okay!) So I would try to sit close to you and make you laugh with a funny face. (My dad took after you in that way). I hugged and kissed you anyways because I know you loved it.

I remember the one time I lied to you!! I was SO guilty. I cut one of your crochet stuff and when you asked who did it, I LIED and got in super big trouble. I like, never lied again, especially to you. My mom told me to respect you and what you do & I tried my best to.

I remember moving back to California from the Philippines. You had NO idea. When you saw us, you freaked out and smiled so BIG.

I remember our conversations about God and how you asked if God truly forgives us, no matter how many times we mess up and fail. And I hope I did my best to reassure you that He does.

I remember so many other things. I unfortunately have forgotten some things too. But my love for you remains the same. I love you grandma. I miss you smile and your laugh. I miss your joke. I miss your offkey guitar playing. I miss making fun of you. You are so loved!

Paulette Benitez

513w ago

Grandma, I remember you took care of me when I was young. We would ride the bus to china town, and on the way home, i would get sleepy and lay on your lap. I remember you had to watch your favorite shows while sitting on the orangy brown lazy boy chair and I would sometimes sit on the arm rest of that chair. First we would watch Price is right, and you would call out numbers and I would think to myself how exciting, and when you got the same number as the contestant on T.V, I would just be so amazed at you. After price is right, I remember you watching young and the restless and hearing the theme song come on. I remember you were always playing the piano and if not the piano, you were playing your violin. I remember you teaching me chopsticks on the piano, and you tried to teach me violin but I could never get it. I remember thinking my Grandma is so smart, you knew so much! Like the time you were writing in Japanese and how you would have stories about teaching... I remember you always had a story to tell about my Dad or my mom, funny stories. I remember your smile your laughs and your bobby pins! I remember you love to knit! You made me a pastel color blanket and I loved it so much! I wish I still had it. Grandma, I miss you so much and I love you to the moon and beyond. I've always wanted to tell you how special you are to me and thank you for taking care of me, and teaching me things. I remember you always telling me to be kind. If someone treats me bad, to just be kind. Grandma, You've given me beautiful memories that I hold dear to my heart. Thank you for being my Grandma. I love you Forever.
Love,
Paulette Jane R. Benitez