Breakfast Potatoes
My grandmother, also referred to as my Nana, passed away last night in Modesto, CA. I was actually relieved to find out this news this morning when my dad called me. In the past week, she had definitely taken a turn for the worse. Her kidneys finally really stopped working on Monday. Now I know she is no longer in pain. I don't really feel like crying (except when I write this). I feel more pain for my dad and his siblings. I mean . . . she was THEIR mother . . . the woman who brought them into the world.
My dad was not there to be with her in her final moments. My mom and dad had come to San Luis Obispo yesterday to attend my sorority's Parent's Banquet and celebrate my impending graduation. We had a wonderful dinner and walk around downtown last night. It's weird to think that my Nana is no longer here, but I suppose that's the natural progression of life. I'm gald she got to live as long as she did because she really had a great life. Anyways, I've written a poem in response to her death that I will be submitting in class on Tuesday.
Breakfast Potatoes
--for my father
I will not cry for the death of my grandmother.
Even though all through this afternoon,
I remember her raucous laugh
That shook the kitchen walls
When I came down in the morning
For her breakfast potatoes, pan fried
With onions and green bell peppers.
She always woke up early.
To ease the rest of us into the day,
She cooked all morning. Eight full
Cups of coffee waiting in the pot, bacon,
And those potatoes.
She cooked those potatoes for you too, Father.
You were her middle child, the only one
That gave her grand-daughters-
Women, who along with gold jewelry,
Have inherited a place in the kitchen.
Three generations
Now worn down
To Two.
I will not cry for the death of my grandmother.
Just let the liquid slide out of the potatoes
As I slice them.
Tomorrow morning, I will prepare
Potatoes for you, Father.
I recreate the recipe from memory-
The salt of the past seasoning
Our dishes today.
Arrangements are being made for her memorial service. She has requested to be cremated, and we will oblige. The actual memorial ceremony will be in L.A. within the next couple of weeks.
Rest In Peace Socorro Cuellar.
~LOVE~