Mildred Beatty, 1919-2010

I cannot believe that you are gone, Grandma Millie. Clara says that she knows that Pepop can take care of himself now. Calliope hopes that your wheelchair goes to someone sicker than you. Manny still prays that you will get better so that you can be with your friends in your room. Benicio says that he's sad that you have died.

I liked you right away. You had an anchoring presence in our family, unapologetically feminine, and with an eye for detail, and so much love. I have hung your dishtowels in the kitchen. The ones you appliqued with the scene playing out between the rooster and the sunflower. I cannot look at them without weeping, your handwork, your sense of humor. Geoff is writing a paper on Dr. Zhivago and is taking a break to pack lunches. You would be so proud.