To my grandmother, who played basketball in a skirt, had a weakness for french fries, and found beauty in all things. (Even blizzards.) Who was perpetually knitting two baby outfits — one pink and one blue — for the newborns of those dear to her as well as people she hardly knew. Who happily shared a hairstylist with her Airedale Terriers, (they had the same type of hair, she would remind you), and who convinced me for years that she was just 10 years-old. Who baked a lifetime’s worth of indescribably perfect desserts (though occasionally forgetting to remove the toothpicks from her coconut custard layer cake), and who loved to climb trees with her grandchildren. Who handled unkindness with a simple “Isn’t that nice for you!” and had a decades-long running bet on professional football games with one of her sons. Who adored a good, firm hug (and was suspicious of weak ones), and who waited patiently for an entire year before her future husband summoned the courage to ask her out on a second date. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, and above all, a true original.
Pauline truly was one of a kind. She invited us to join the family for dinner at their home many years ago. I still see her in the kitchen smiling & dancing while effortlessly making dinner for 12. Her funny, kind, lovely soul was so evident to anyone in the room. My heart aches for the entire Scafidi family now. But I know that Heaven is richer for her presence.
Kathy, thank you so much for your kind words about my grandmother. She was special lady, indeed, and we are all so lucky to have known her!
Every time I read this it makes me smile and remember all the good times with Grandma. She will be missed.
So happy you liked it, Lisa. I tried to work in a reference to her fear of heights, but then it occurred to me that it seemed inconsistent with the fact that she would climb trees with us. Perhaps she just hated the Disneyland sky buckets?!
Very beautiful Heather. When I think of mom I think of her incredible sense of humor. One
of the funniest things I ever saw her do was play Trivial Pursuit. I think it was Christmas up at Baggs Rd. and that was the night she became “Mama Denote'”. Love you.
Uncle Paul
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Paul. Anyone can talk about how many children she had or her years of devoted community service, but only we know the silly and wonderful things about her that made her grandma. You know, I never did hear the whole “Mama Denote” story, so thank you for sharing. See you and Joan soon.
a wonderful tribute to an incredible woman………….
Thank you, Diane. We appreciate your kind sentiments!