I have kept mostly silent about the goings on in my family of late. A few friends know what has been happening and a few were with me when I crumbled into a ball of tears at the latest development.
As some of you know, my grandmother is the THE most important person in my world. She is 91 years old and my little bundle of fire. A powerhouse! An artist! An orator! A wit! An amazing lady!
Her health has been in decline for the past few years. On Monday I received a phone call that she had a series of terrible falls. Being 3000 miles away, I am not privy to the daily goings on and I rely on feedback from her assistant or from my mother. Though I speak to my grandmother on the phone every day, she never would tell me if she is not well or ailing.
The falls left her with two broken cheek bones, a fractured rib, a black eye and two knots on the back of her head.
My heart dropped and I braced myself for the worst case scenario. I spoke with her on the phone and the slowness of her voice and the hesitation in her words sent me into a tailspin.
My mother flew to L.A. to be with her and to take her to a myriad of doctors appointments. She started to heal and seems to be on the road to recovery.
Last night, as I spoke with her, her voice slow but sure, I asked if this was all worth it? This fight she was making….holding on to her life…when she’s in pain and struggling. We have always been staunch believers that it is the quality of one’s life which matters not the quantity!
She replied: “As long as I can still laugh, have fun, think, talk to you and maybe get in a little painting, YES!!!”
I didn’t get to choose my family….but I sure got one lucky hand….and I sure do love them!!!
