Weekends with Grandma: A Journey of Love and Empowerment

From the ages of 6 through 12, I eagerly looked forward to the weekends I spent at my grandmother's Brooklyn apartment.

During this period, my father resided in Mexico while my mother faced personal challenges. Grandma Mary made every effort to bring my younger sisters and me to her home as frequently as she could.

In retrospect, the wisdom and affection I absorbed during those days have profoundly influenced who I am today.

Each Saturday began with the excitement of our grandparents picking us up in their yellow Chevy, Sinatra's voice serenading us through the car speakers. The journey over the Brooklyn Bridge to the sound of the East River would always begin with a stop at the Baskin-Robbins, where my uncle was once in charge.

Nurtured by Love and Tradition

Grandma's nurturing was evident in her culinary creations—her blintzes, kosher chicken, and the signature chocolate pudding presented in charming leaf-shaped cups.

On our neighborhood walks, if anyone inquired about the woman with me, I'd introduce her as 'my best friend, Mary,' which truly she was.

Her constant words of encouragement built my self-esteem, often calling me 'mama shana bubbeleh,' a Yiddish term for a cherished grandchild. Her love laid the foundation for my enduring self-respect.

Foundations of Unconditional Love

Throughout the week, I longed for Saturdays to arrive. Those two days were filled with comforting hugs and countless tender kisses. Her small apartment became a sanctuary of affection for my sisters and me.

Grandma's teachings on my worth have carried over into my adult life. She reaffirmed my intelligence and strength, and emphasized how unconditional love from even one person could alleviate life’s other challenges. She also instilled the importance of expressing emotions instead of repressing them.

A Legacy of Wisdom

Thanks to Grandma, I was able to forge strong ties with my husband and children. Initially, I struggled with marital communication. Grandma's simple yet profound advice to 'sit down and truly talk' was invaluable, her wisdom far beyond her limited formal education.

Even though Grandma Mary is no longer with us, her legacy endures within my family. My daughters have cultivated strong connections with their extended family, mirroring the solid self-assurance my grandmother instilled in me.