When I think back to my early childhood memories, a lot those moments revolve around Grand-maman. I remember playing in a screened porch with my sister. Grand-maman had just given us new barbies and was serving us fresh orange juice from her orange tree.

I remember that from July till December we we’re no longer allowed to go into her bedroom, especially her closet. I found it strange at first but learned to accept this idea. I later found out she bought all her Christmas gifts by July and stored them in her closet before wrapping them 4 months later.  

I remember coming home from school and having her sit in the living room with us while waiting for my parents to come home. She was usually knitting.

I remember wanting to learn to make my own clothes. Because my mother could only go so far as to sew a button or a patch, I went to Grand-maman for help. She showed me how to thread the machine, how to delicately guide the fabric and then gave me a trunk load of thread and fabric to practice with.  I don’t think I would know how to make clothes if she had not been there to teach me the basics and get me inspired.

Finally, I remember her smile and her giggle. How she gleamed and lit up whenever she saw you for the first time that day. She was always happy to see her family and loved to see her children and grandchildren.