My dearest, sweetest, and most favourite Grandma.
Through the powers-to-be of the internet, I have sadly learned that you have joined your daughter Sharon (mom), and great-grandson Cèdric (my son), in the month of August.
As a child, it would be the highlight of the day, knowing that you would be coming over to visit. I recall, when your granddaughter was about to be born (when I was three) you came to Canada, with Aunt Honeycomb, and took care of me, until we went to see her birth.
On my fourth birthday, I recall, that you purchased a Dukes of Hazard, toy for me, and I still recall how upset mom was because, it was not cheap, but the joy you had sharing about the origins of Mississippi (because of the confederate flag on top of the toy), brought you as much happiness as it did me.
Throughout the years, I remember travelling to the U.S., for the church conventions, my highlight would be, running away from my parents, in order to visit you, and spend enough time with you, and enjoy our time together, and then sneaking back to the church before they caught on, that I was gone.
I recall, how you shared repeatedly the importance of education, especially for our family. No, I did not have the idea of grasping what you were sharing, at that time. However, I do recall in class, I made you a metallic engraving in class -- it was never about having to do an assignment in school -- however, after I presented it to you, each and every year that we would visit you, I would see your present right next to a photo of the two of us, on your wall.
When you moved from New York, to Texas, I was utterly devastated. Mom reassured me that you are simply adventurous, and that you love to travel, and that you will do so for as long as you can. She was right. You got to travel to Disneyland, your dream come true, I was so happy for you. Also, you came back to visit with Aunt Honeycomb, oh boy did you catch quite the tan, and did your accent grow thicker, and how warm is Texas, if Toronto, can get up to 100f in the shade?
Before mom passed away, we spoke over the phone (and I know how much you disliked that), I wanted to know everything about our family history. Thank you, for divulging everything you know offhand, and could convey to me. It was such a pleasure to learn about out history, I hope that it will be preserved through your great-grandchildren, and for as long as it can in time.
Last night, I set up my computer in order to call you, using our secret call code. I did not feel something was right. I Googled your name, and then, to my utter horror, I found that you came to rest here. I tried calling this funeral home, but, given it was within ten minutes of finding this out, I did not have the words for the wonderful people that took the time to work with me.
Dear grandma, you are the most inspirational figure I've ever had the privilege of knowing. Thank you dearly, for all the wonderful, beautiful memories, and times we shared together. My admiration for you as a single mother, raising Aunt Honeycomb, is the inspiration I strived to do what I could as a single father, and now soon to be married life. Moreover, knowing as much as I could about your life. Dear grandma, divine matriarch, from your sweet suga', say hello to mom, and my son for me. I love you forevermore