On October 16th my Mimo passed away.
As I sit here wanting to express the love I have for her and
some of the memories I will always cherish I find it difficult to do so.
I spent all of last week in California helping Mom make the arrangements.
Mimo moved in with my family when I was 14.
Though things weren't always smooth sailing it was impossible not to get to know her really well. She had a fun sense of humor and her knowledge of older films was amazing.
Must be where I got my ability to remember movies and actors.
When I was a little girl I'd spend a few weeks with Mimo and Grandpa in the summer.
Mimo and I would sleep in my mom's old pink bedroom (super 70s pink).
After we said our prayers we lie there and make up songs about little fishies swimming in a pool. They usually rhymed and had them pooing at some point.
Of course I found that hilarious.
We'd laugh as quietly as possible, but inevitably get louder.
My grandpa worked for the post office and got up pretty early.
He's usually end up pounding on the wall and yelling, "Shutup!" which would make us laugh even harder.
Mimo had recorded a Stevie Wonder music video: "I Just Called to Say I Love You."
That kinda became our song. It's not one I hear often but I can't help but think of her.
Before she lived with us and after Grandpa had died, we'd want to call each other often but since she lived in Missoula it could get expensive.
We started to "one-ring" each other.
Basically whenever we thought of her Mom or I would call her, let the phone ring once then hang up. She'd do the same to us.
I still remember her old phone number.
I wonder if she'd know if I one-rang it.
I planned her graveside service. I'd never done that before.
I feel like she was there with us.
There have only been a handful of times that I've felt the spirit testify so strongly of the gospel principle of eternal families.
I am thankful to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.
I sure hope she knows how much I love and miss her.
Mimo is mexican. Her parents migrated to the U.S. in 1917.
Since she grew up speaking spanish she taught me a bit when I was little.
The one thing I really remember learning from her was:
"Te quiero mucho mucho mucho con todo mi corazon."
"I love you with all of my heart."
We'd always add, "whole bunch by golly" onto the end for Grandpa.
Te quiero mucho mucho mucho con todo mi corazon whole bunch by golly Mimo.
I know that I will see you again someday.
