These three women are my family’s roots, literally the place from which all the beautiful limbs on my family tree grew. This is the only photo I have of the three of them together - My great-grandmother, Ada (middle), my great aunt, Minnie Lee (right) and my Grandma Nick, formally Catherine (left). These are the divas of my family, that family still remembers vividly and discuss fondly during the holidays or any days. The stories of these three women are sometimes funny, most times to prove a trivial point of my mother’s or one of my aunts, but never sad.
I never met my great-grandma, Ada or Pu-Ya as we call her but I hear she was wonderful. She was said to be quiet, calm and meek, the exact opposite of my Grandma Nick, who was bold, no nonsense and strong. I only knew her for four years, but I remember her so clearly. I always felt warm and safe when she was near, like no one would dare test her or risk feeling her wrath.
We enjoyed each others company over those four years and up until she was hospitalized, she “babysat” her grandbaby. She wouldn’t hear of anyone else watching me while my mother was working, so a caretaker, Miss Anna was hired to watch us both. So everyday it was me, Grandma Nick and Miss Anna. We would watch soap operas and eat Ramen Noodles, General Hospital was Grandma’s favorite. I even changed my name to Philamena, our favorite soap heroine, she was fierce and strong like my Grandma.
I still don’t miss an episode of All My Children, although Erica Kane has taken Philamena’s place as my soap opera idol. And, I guess in some way my Momma has filled my Grandma’s place as my daily comfort and confidante. Where would I be without her strength and wisdom which I’m sure she absorbed through them. I ran across this picture and literally felt all three of them sitting with me. It’s a weird feeling but I know they’re happy and proud of me. My only wish is live a colorful life and to one day be a positive force in someone’s life. These are my divas and I don’t leave home without their memories and undying love.
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