So I know who my biological Grandma is. Her family seems kind and they loved her and miss her very much. Her death is still on their minds because they are adjusting to life without her, it hadn’t been a year when I came into their lives. One of my aunts said something to the effect of, she has given us a brother, a niece and a nephew (who each have families of their own). Such a ‘gift’. I tried to assure them I only wanted to know about her. I am grateful to know who she was and to know how loved she was. After Joe shared stories, my brother and I planned for a get-together with just us, no extended families. It was planned for a Sunday so I could drive in from NYC and leave the kids with my sister-in-law.
The day came, I was excited and a nervous wreck. I loaded the kids in the car and began up Route 87 to get to my brother’s house. We had just passed where Seth and I got married and Stella barfed in the backseat. ARGH, gross, Oh, My, Goodness! We pulled over, cleaned up and I called my brother. I couldn’t bring a barfing kid to his house, so I couldn’t go to CT. I called to tell him I had to turn around and go home. I cried for a few minutes on the side of the road. I was so excited and then profoundly disappointed.
We decided Peter could to go by himself. So he did. He has a relationship with my dad anyway, so it’s probably best. I cried for days. I tried not to let my daughter see.
They met. They had a lovely time. Peter said they were so nice. They had great stories.
They showed him pictures of her life. He took this one of them to share with me. They look so happy, I have their forehead! Cheryl looks like my dad! Oh I missed so much. They put out matza! What nice people.
I cried some more. It’s so wonderful to know and witness that her kindness didn’t end with giving my dad to Roz and Isaac. She raised kind people, with a kind man.
I feel so lucky. Still… the red hair mystery is unsolved.
Where Does That Red Hair Come From? 