I took these images at my Grandparent's winter abode, their San Antonio condominium, three and a half years ago. My {lovah} and I were visiting for the Thanksgiving holiday, and it had been quite a few years since I'd been there, so I wandered around one afternoon, taking pictures of things that I remembered from when I was a little girl, fascinated by all the lovely, fragile items that my Grammy decorated with. My skills with the camera have improved dramatically since I shot these images, but sharing them now seems necessary, cathartic.
My grandfather is dying. He doesn't have long. I plan to be with him soon in Cleveland, to say goodbye, but every day is difficult. My grandmother loves him so much, and I can see her falling apart at the seams as she contemplates life without him. They've been married for over sixty-five years. It seems so unfair to me that they've recently reached such a milestone, only to have it be their last. In between my daily meetings, photo shoots, writing contracts and recipes, sketching design ideas... I spend time on the phone. With my grandmother, my mother, my siblings, my cousin, discussing the inevitability to come. I break down crying, in random moments, while I'm typing at the computer or washing dishes or even in the middle of a morning run.
My grandfather is nearly 88 years old. He's lived a long and incredibly rewarding life. He's touched many lives, saved many lives, during his years working as a neurosurgeon. He's been such a kind and generous grandfather. In fact, he's been like a father to me- giving me advice when he knew I needed it, pushing me to work harder, to follow my dreams. He financed most of my education, an education that I am so grateful for today.
I could go on and on about my Grandpa George, and I'm sure I will, eventually. But for now, these pictures remind me of all the happy times I spent here with them. In the next month, my mother and I will be dismantling this house. It's been sold, my grandparents won't be back. The thought is devastating, but I suppose that all good things must come to an end. Even the lives of those we love.
I thought that I would narrate these images, but it seems unnecessary. My grandmother has very eclectic taste, which I'm sure is quite obvious from the images. She loves chinoiserie, and there are bits of oriental design and art throughout all of her homes. She has a knack for arranging things so that even the most mundane items are aesthetically pleasing. My mother has that knack, too. They both passed that knack on to me. I am grateful. Grateful for the dearest, sweetest, kindest, most wonderful grandparents in the whole wide world, for everything that they have taught me. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for Grammy Laurie and Grandpa George, and I just felt the need to put my feelings out there, into the universe, into the world wide web, so everyone can know how much I love and adore these two beautiful people.
