The O'Malley's

Yesterday afternoon, my Grandma Ortiz went home to be with Jesus. She had been sick for months and was ready to be at rest in heaven, but I wish she could have lived for just another day so I could be there to say goodbye. I will miss her dearly, but I have so many wonderful memories with her that I will never forget.

She was one of the most generous, hospitable people I have ever met. She would give away everything she had if it would help somebody else. Her home was always open to anybody, she would always have a homemade Mexican feast waiting for you when you arrived and she loved to have her family around more than anything. I remember when I was visiting once her during spring break and I told her that I had been studying Spanish, she got so excited and took me out to lunch and we spoke in Spanish the entire time. At the end, she told me how proud she was that I had taken the time to learn Spanish and what joy it was to speak to her grandchildren in her native language.

I remember how much she loved her doves that lived in her backyard and how it was always cool back there even in the middle of Southern California summers. I remember as a little girl how much I loved to look at her colorful glass bells and jars that sat on the windowsill behind her lace curtains. I also loved her teacups on the shelf and the picture of Jesus that hung above the dining room table. She also couldn’t afford to buy Christmas presents for all 32 of her grandchildren (plus the 17 great-grandchildren) but she always wanted to have a gift for us so I remember, as a 12 year old girl, receiving Star Wars markers from her J She would often give old things from around the house that she no longer needed. We laughed about her gifts for years, but she loved giving and she just couldn’t bear not to. One of my all-time favorite flowers is still buganvilia. For as long as I can remember, it’s been growing up the wall in my grandmother’s backyard. I love the bright fuschia color of it and the way it always reminds me of growing up in southern California with my Grandma Ortiz.

She would have breakfast with all 3 of her sisters on a weekly basis until just a couple of years ago when she had to move in with her daughter. Whenever we were in town, she invited my Mom and all of us girls along. They were the funniest old ladies and such a joy to be around. I hope my sisters and I are like that 50 or 60 years from now. She continued to scold her children even though they’re all in their 40’s and 50’s now and she was one of the most stubborn women I have ever met. I definitely inherited that trait from her! However, the thing I admire most about her is that whatever circumstances came her way, she thanked God and never complained about anything.

The last time I saw her was at my wedding in August. She practically had to be carried down the aisle by two groomsmen. We offered to bring her in wheelchair or not have her go down the aisle at all and instead just be seated beforehand, but she insisted that she was going to be a proud grandmother and walk down the aisle herself (see the stubbornness coming out). At the reception I was able to speak with her for about 10 minutes and she gave me a huge hug and patted my hand while offering me plenty of wisdom on marriage, motherhood and life. I remember her telling me to enjoy and thank God for every second on earth because each was a blessing. I remember her telling me that she had no regrets for her life and wished the same for me. I remember her telling me that the biggest blessing God had given her in life was such a big family for her to love and how she treasured each one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She helped teach me that the simple things in life are the sweetest and to be content with whatever God has blessed me with. She was truly a great lady, a beautiful, godly and wise woman and one who I will remember and love forever.