Saying Goodbye to My Grandmother, My 'Maggo'

Late last night, my grandmother passed away.  When I was a little girl, I called her 'Maggo,' and the nickname stuck.  Maggo would have turned 99 in November.  She was the most incredible person I've ever met.  She lived all over the country and the world (including Shanghai, and Hong Kong, where my father was born).  She traveled to over 20 different countries.  One of her favorite memories was on a trip to India, where she taught a guru how to take a shot of scotch while in Shirshasana (the yoga pose of standing on one's head.)  She had a degree in chemistry, which was not a common occurrence for a woman in the 1930s.  She worked as a fashion designer, among other professions.  We shared a love for style and design, for Thai food, for daisies, and for the color yellow.  Her apartment was decorated in gorgeous mid-century furniture and Asian decor from her travels.  She still dressed up every single day.  She was my idol, and one of my very best friends.  And she was absolutely thrilled to have a great grandchild on the way.

My heart hurts you guys.  She suffered a stroke last month, and although she improved greatly, we all knew that she was ready to go.  I am relieved that she went in her sleep (as she hoped would happen), and that she doesn't have to suffer.  But right now, I just can't image life without her. 

Three cheers to a strong, talented, beautiful, worldly, vibrant woman!  I am so very lucky to have had her in my life.