Once again I have been slow on the Blog front, and I want to apologize to the wonderful people who have reached out to me to tell me they enjoy my writing. Its quite a joy to get that kind of feedback and it's greatly appreciated. Ive been thinking a lot about my Grandmother. She was such a special influence in my life, perhaps a little more so than with most. She was more like a "Co-Mom" to me. At one point I lived just across the street from her for about 8 years growing up. Ruth Ann gave me some tremendously valuable lessons. Not all of them I took to heart, but most of them I did. She was really big on learning, and she cut zero slack on school. I had no choice but to produce, "or else". (I never found out what "or else was, nor did I want to know". My Grandmother grew up during the Great Depression. She owned two homes (the other was a rental) and was comfortably retired at 63, after being a Superintendent at a Reform School for Girls for over 25 years. She did quirky things like Christmas shopping in June (all of it). She would always give me one of the best presents, and even better, I always got it a day before Christmas. (I never knew exactly why she gave it to me early, but I loved it). I know this is sounding like she was just spoiling me, but that really wasn't the case. Because of her, I worked nights and weekends at McDonalds. She made a big deal out of the value of work and money. My Grandmother was always pretty focused on whatever she did, and at 82, she hardly lost her edge. She was a tremendously fun person to be with, and she loved her Grandson. When I got a VP promotion, it was pretty much a joint promotion. She was extremely proud and even at this stage of my life, continued encouraging me to "keep on keepin on". She did everything she could to live in her house until she could no longer, and moved to a Assisted living center. She wasn't there long before she passed away. I was so sad and torn up about losing my Grandmother that I convinced my wife to "pull the goalie" so that we might have a kid. Before her death, for whatever reason, I had this "logical" (like Spock on Star Trek) view of kids as a line item expense and way too much trouble. I wasn't a "kid" type of guy at all. But losing my "Rock" made me so want to be a parent and grow the family. 14 months after she passed away we had a baby girl. I guess you could also say that I became "The rock" for my family. And Since we were married in Italy, and since Rome was our favorite city, we name her Romi (Rom-ee) The R is also a nod to Ruth Ann. In a lot of ways my Daughter has a little "Ruth Ann" in her. She is pretty focused, a hell of lot of fun, and she loves her Dad. Now the reason for this blog, I wanted to share with her some of things that has happened in the six years she has been gone and let her know I miss her. So here is my note to you.
My lovely Grandmother. We miss you SO much. I know you are in heaven and hope they are giving you a glimpse or two of your Great Grand Daughter. (tell me she isnt a chip off the old block). She knows all about you and knows you're in heaven. She is a GREAT kid (see her picture). She is so bright, and kicking butt at Montessori school. She is also at 4 an amazing swimmer. She can swim an entire length of a pool. She has this built in "will to win" She doesn't like to be 2nd in anything (almost to a fault). Every time I look in her eyes, I can see you. More big news. I know you wont believe this but America has its first Black President! You would love Obama and his family. Its like the Cosby show moved into the White House. The Country is going through some very difficult economic times. Epic/Depression level stuff. This President could not have a more difficult job. I would say work is tougher for most everyone now, including me, but I am doing my best to "keep on keeping on" like you taught me. But truly, I wish you were here so you can see this changing World. The World is changing Grandma. and its getting smaller. I can watch TV on my mobile Phone. I have buddies all over the planet. Oh yeah, and I stopped eating meat of any kind. I can no longer have your famous chicken. The last thing I'm going to leave you with, and its a bit of a shocker. They are going to cancel your favorite soap opera, "The Guiding light" after 72 years. Maybe they wont do so in heaven. I miss our "small talks" SO very much. You are in my heart, always and never forgotten. Love, your Grandson. 
