Who was my Grandmother to me?

I was given an opportunity to say some words at the conclusion of her funeral mass.  I had no idea of what I was going to say, but being in God's house, I knew that it would come from the heart.  I spoke in Spanish, as is my first language and mostly those in attendance, but here's a rough translation of what I said:

I had the honor and the privilege to have been taken care of by Grandma in the first days of my life.  Every since then, she was always a part of my life.  I learned from her how to approach life and not always in the big things, but in the simple details of my time with her.  Even when I went away to college and was away for almost seven years.  I did come home for summers, but during the semesters I strove to see her at least once a month.  And when I moved to Austin for almost three years, I still came home to visit.  I took care of Grandma recently at home, but She did not like to be taken care of; she was a strong person.  I had to do so from afar so I wouldn't hurt her pride or affect the strength of her will power.  It hurt me the times she fell and I had to pick her up from the floor.  I thank God that I was able to be there every time she needed me.  It was only through God's grace that I was able to help her.  As she had taken care of me during the first days of my life, I thank God that I was able to return the favor and take care of her during her last days of hers.

Grandma was definitely another mother to me.  I inherited from her what a son inherits from a mother - her time, her love, and her wisdom.  The word "grandmother" has two parts.  We are all so used to the word, that perhaps many of us never quite think about it.  It's just another title.  Well, the operative word is "mother" in the word "grandmother."  It describes the relationship that should exist - the relationship she seeks to have with all of her family (not just some).  Too many times, family is too busy or unwilling to sacrifice some time to see, or even call, their grandparents.  This is sad.  Sigh.  Before I go off on a tangent, that's all I will say on that, so I will keep focusing on "mother."

The word "mother" gave me the direction as to the nature of the relationship I should have with my grandmother.  Once this is established, you will feel there exists a need to take care of your "mother."  How could you not??  How could you cause your grandmother tears??  Grandmothers are very special.  Mine was to me.  I had several family traditions with her.  I always hugged and kissed her on every Christmas Eve night at midnight and again on New Year's Eve at midnight.  For as long as I had her on this earth, nothing was more important to me.  I got to do this 37 times.  I gave her flowers (roses) for Mother's Day and on Saint Valentine's day when I had the money.  Every time I got up from the table after a meal, I made sure I kissed her in gratitude.  I kissed her in gratitude if all she did was share a meal with me or give me a napkin, because she did it with love.  Love is responded with love.  If I left the house, I made sure that I kissed her goodbye because I did not want to live with an emptiness of missing an opportunity of showing her the place she had in my life.

Who was my Grandmother to me?  She was my other mother.