This last Friday, in the early morning (Jan. 23, 2009), my favorite Grandma (Babcia Marysia) passed away in her home in Warsaw. I am full of sadness, but also I am happy that she is finally at peace. Everybody dies eventually, and she had a most wonderful and fullfilling life, full of joy, sadness, and full of LOVE.

Babcia was the most loving person I know. I can't imagine her angry, or impatient with anyone. She was always joking around, always happy, laughing. She was humble in the way she lived, she never really needed anything more than to chat with her daughter, her son, her grandchildren and of course her neighbours (for the most up to date gossip).

My first memory of my Grandma was when she came over to see me when I was sick as a little child (probably 3 or 4 years old). She made the best ham sandwiches, which obviously made me 100% better.

Then I remember staying with her and Grandpa when my Mother went for a month to Canada to visit my Father. I remember their little appartment, with the huge round table, in the living room, sitting around it, eating either the best food or some sweats my Grandma served. This was the tradition - come over, sit around the table, eat, chat, chat some more. Once in a while, she would read cards to me, predicting my very exciting future.

I always watched Dynasty with my Grandma. We would make fun of all the extravagant cloths, the jewelery, and she would always catch me up if I ever missed an episode. Then she would pull out a chocolate bar, or some candy or cookies out of her big cabinet, and she would say... "I saved this just for you, but don't tell anyone." She would always have secrets with me. For instance, she would pull out some major money out of some secret hiding place (usually a jar or an empty wine glass) and give me the money saying... "Go buy yourself a present, but don't tell your grandpa, or your uncle where you got the money from..." I'm sure she did this with all her grandkids, but she just made me feel so special.

I remember her hair... her curling iron (still warming it up on the gas of her stove), her lipstick, all her creams (favorite being NIVEA), and her awesome skin which was the softest you can imagine. She always had to make herself up for pictures (put on her red lipstick and some colour in her cheeks); she never smiled for pictures, but when I think of her, that is the only way I can remember her... smiling, or laughing.

She was so excited for me when I met Alex. She really wanted to see a picture of him, and as soon as she did, she told me how handsom he was. Her words ment so much to me, so when she saw Alex, and approved, I was all the more in love with him, saw another side of him... So when we came to see her, Alex in person with our brand new baby Jakub, she was in love, with Alex and Jakub. As always, she made the best food, the best conversation, and the best "secrets".

My grandma was the perfect grandma... I will miss you!