My Jean

Back in 2012, I met this amazing woman, Jean. She was 89 years old. Asked me if I had a grandma....I told her my paternal was living but my maternal had passed on the Christmas eve prior. She was so sad for me and then in her humorous way trying to console me, said "Well, I am up for adoption if you want me". Too cute, right? She wouldn't leave the hospital till my manager said ok to give her my number. I saw her about every week or so, spoke often and even shared meals together. Once, we went to see a performance at a theatre. She delighted in theatre and her excitement was almost palpable every time we had a date! She was my adopted Grandma. She came for my graduation, she was there at my wedding. Her calls always involved "Are you pregnant yet? When am I going to be a great grandma?" Her New York accent was like music to my ears!
We moved to Austin but we never lost touch. She called, I called, we talked, we laughed. She had nine lives I always teased her. She bounced back from surgeries like a teen! Despite a few hiccups every blue moon, she went back to her own independent lifestyle. See, she loved her own space, her own stuff, in her own terms. New York frame of mind. Well, Jean must be on her 9th life because for weeks I tried to call and no one picked up. Today I finally Whatsapp'ed her son. He had the worst of news. Hospice. My heart broke. She is 93 now. I know she has lived her life to the fullest. She loved dearly, and genuinely. I wish I could be by her side. I wish I could hold her hand and tell her it's going to be okay.....

She loved flowers- roses especially. She glowed in joy every time she received them. It was the way to her heart! She was a beautiful flower herself. Special lady.

Jean passed on on the 21st of December. My heart still aches for her; always will. I cannot describe what I feel even now. She was not an ordinary old lady. She had spark, resolve, and spirit that you just do not see in others her age. I wish Jean would call me again, leave one of her long voicemails....... I miss her. I loved her. I love her.