Letter to Grandma

I didn't date this letter so I'm not sure when I wrote it. I found it in one of my collections of letters and writings. Grandma (as we fondly call her) Beb's birthday was January 2nd. She and one of my cousins share the same birthday, while Grandpa Johnny and my favorite nephew has the same date of birth, October 20th.

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I have flashes of memories of my grandma a couple of days ago... then I remember it was her birthday…

She taught me a lot growing up, as I didn’t grow up with a mom. 

- How to write

She has the most beautiful cursive penmanship in the family. You could tell she’s an artist just by her penmanship.

- How to sew my first shorts at age 6

Grandma is always the first person to wake up. I’ve never seen her lounging around. She was always on her feet. While most of us have siesta after lunch, her sewing machine would vibrate in the hardwood floor on the 2nd floor, making it difficult for me to sleep. I’d sneak off siesta and sit on the floor next to her instead. Watched her cut strips of fabric after fabric. She’d sometimes show me how the old machine works but get distracted by snags, other people, and other chores. She made beautiful dresses for me and my sister. Designs I can only imagine now like a distant memory. I didn’t like wearing dresses then. I wanted pants or shorts. One day she decided to teach me how to make an easy to sew shorts. We cut the pattern together, ran a straight stitch in the old Singer, and voila! I made my first shorts! After she and grandpa left to the US, I’d play around with her old sewing machine and made blouses for my sister.

- How to save, sell, and start a small business

I used to sell ice candy in our neighborhood at age 7. I was only getting 25 cents allowance while most of my friends has 50 cents to 1 peso. She loaned me 10 pesos as my first business capital and explained how loan works. I’d go around our neighborhood sharing news of my ice candy business. She also taught me how to price my product and save it in a bank. In two days, I could not believe how much money I have in my empty star margarine container. She taught me how to market, advertise, and sell but I didn’t know those terms back then.

- How to bake cakes

I barely remember any of her tip’s cos I get distracted easily at how lovely and delicious her cakes were. 😋 Her chocolate cakes were divine! One of the reasons she was popular in our small town was cos of her cakes. I could hear the hand mixer whirling at 9am. I’d get up, my siblings follow, and we’d all sit around at the table waiting for the batter to missed well. She makes pretty buttercream flowers, and leaves that just melts in your mouth. I remember just staring at the details, smelling it like they were fresh flowers. Sometimes I’d resist sticking my tongue into it, but my siblings would beat me to it. If there’s one thing, I remember well that she taught me about baking cakes it’s “passion”. I wanted to do the same thing when I was little. A few years ago, I started a cake business, but it was wrong timing. It lasted for a few years till I decided, I need to think things through. I need a better business plan. But I still think about making cakes, bread, even in my dream.

- She taught me a little gardening

I was her little helper. Wherever she goes, I go.

My mind's blown away at how much time my grandma spent tending the house, a family of 10 (they had 8 kids), grandkids, relatives, people who come to the house for help. I often wonder which one of her talent and skills she enjoyed the most. I’ve never seen her complain. She was soft spoken, kind-hearted, her mind and heart were always dedicated to the family. When she speaks, she partakes a lesson that is often met with a shrug or dismissal. How I wish I have listened to her more often and learned stuff I might have needed today. I love when she shares tiny information about herself - she loves KitKat, and original KFC. I miss her dearly and the warm hugs she gives. 

Happy Birthday, Grandma. I never got to see you in Canada, but I wish I could have hugged you for the last time. I wish I could have thanked you for all the letters you wrote, the advice you gave, and the talent and skills you shared with me. I hope, you and Grandpa are doing great in heaven. I miss you dearly, and you’ll be loved and remembered forever.