My grandmother on my biological father’s side was Graciela Del Valle. We did not have much time together. She seemed to know it. She still tried to teach me what she could. Her lessons boiled down to “this is how you should do this” and “this is what you should never do.” She also assured me I had always been in her heart, just as her love and memories are in mine.

There is a lot I wish I could ask her about. But she died a couple years ago. My father passed this year. His sisters were already gone. So all that knowledge is lost. I am my father’s oldest. That’s a slightly chilling thought. So far there is only one generation below mine, though that hopefully won’t be so forever.

This is the last column of my second year writing them! So much has changed over these two years. I am glad to share my experiences with you, and hope to continue for a good long time.

I wish I could tell my grandma I am thankful for her advice. I wish I could tell her not to worry, and I will probably find new mistakes to make.

I was hoping to be in San Antonio right now, to see my family there and visit my father’s grave. However, James still is not able to be vaccinated against COVID. So instead we will be spending a few days traveling closer to home. For a number of reasons, I just need a few days away from everything and everyone except my children.

Enjoy the autumn leaves, cooler weather, and Halloween and Samhain and every other celebration of fall. And find the good in every day.