First and last letters to Grandma. You will be missed.

06/01/99

“Dear Grandma,

I was wondering if we could be penpals. Let’s write each other letters about our life. Mom said you played tennes. Could you write about that? Love, Becca”

10/30/18

“Dear Grandma,

We checked out the plot today. Dad seemed happy with the positioning of the tree. It felt a bit reminiscent of your courtyard. The family went for lunch after but I could barely eat a thing. All I wanted was plain french toast, no challah and no berries, just as you would like it. I wanted to discuss the antics of your sneaky floor mates at the village, the ones who would kick you beneath the dinner table when you took too strong a stance against the inedible ham sandwiches. I wanted to walk the botanic gardens, playing Barbara Streisand on my phone while you hummed along and taught me about the Kennedys. I wanted to play our millionth game of gin rummy, only to beat you by one point and listen to you call my father, complaining that I was being cruel to my grandma. But instead I sat amongst your children and grandchildren, listening to their many memories of the finest woman they knew.

Love, Becca

P.S. And no, I’m sorry but you may not steal Craig. I still won’t allow it.”