I didn't always like her, but I did always love her. She was my grandma. I find it funny that most of my thoughts of her are associated with food -- Camembert sandwiches, Salami sandwiches -- all on Bellaccico's Italian bread. They were so delicious. I still make myself salami sandwiches on Italian bread with unsalted butter (she used Land O Lakes, but it's not usually in my budget). I also remember her being some sort of princess -- sparkly gowns and a tiara!! You can't get more Princess than that! I so wanted to be a princess like her. Also, I remember the toys -- one box of very small plates and cups, some of which had food on them. Suzie and I played with that stuff for hours -- funny how kids make do with what is available to them. And when Erick was a little guy -- he played with them too! She saved everything -- so we all now have to go through it LOL. Turnabout I suppose... After I married, we visited sometimes.. until I saw that her toilet was filthy!!! After that, I told Ivan we had to go to their house at least every two weeks! And I went there and cleaned! Any of you who have seen my house know how weird that is... but the thought of her house being dirty just totally made me crazy. I saw her every 2 weeks until they moved to France... Then -- only when they came to the US and I was the only one available to pick them up. I guess that at this point my best memory is of the last time she looked at me. Mom and I were at the hospital and she slept the whole time we were there. The nurse had given her medications and she was sleeping. We were ready to leave and I kisses her 4 times -- twice on each cheek in the French manner. Then I kissed her forehead and said, "I love you Grandma". She opened her eyes and I think she looked at me. I said to Mom and the nurse, "Look! She's opening her eyes!... and now she's closing them" That was it, just a second of her looking at me, but I guess it was enough. I wish she could have gotten to know her great-great grandson -- my biggest regret, I suppose. How many people live long enough to have a great-great??? I could probably go on for hours -- but what's the point? MA PETITE GRANDMERE -- I love you and always will! XXXOOO Janine