Saturday, May 15, 2021

Her Smile

 As usual, it was a typical sunny day in Las Vegas, Nevada towards the end of February, 2009. As I reached for the front door, I looked back one last time. Her smile, the very first during this visit, will remain as my very last memory.

She was of direct French decent, not even five feet tall, yet tougher than anyone I ever knew. My memories of this lady are very dear and fond. Especially of those from the 1960’s & 70’s. But as well, throughout her last decade of life from 1999 to 2009. During these years I would often travel to Las Vegas (her home) to check in on her, accomplish some home repairs, and enjoy both our time and chats together.

Her name was Cecile Blanche Bonnette, born to Francois and Delia in southern New Hampshire in the year 1925. Both her stories from her childhood and her marriage (to Harold) present themselves with immense struggle and heartache. That said, she was a fighter, I knew her as such, and one of those who quote, “Would give you the shirt off their back” kind of people. Many knew her as Cissy or Sis. I called her ‘Nana’, for she was my maternal grandmother.

As a child in the 1960’s Christmas was often a celebration with presents under a tree almost bigger than the tree itself. I was too young to know then, that most of those gifts were from Santa herself, aka Nana. At times they were a result from winning at Santa Anita … yes, betting on the ponies. Yet, whether from the horses, the slots, or her own paycheck, she always made sure that our Christmas was a major event for my siblings and I. Even my first car, a Plymouth Valiant, oh baby

Nana (in dark) with sisters

… Green and slant six … was from her and my grandfather Gordon.

From the late 1970’s into the early 1990’s moves between Oregon, to Alaska and a return to Oregon provided only a handful of visits. But shortly after the death of her sister and roommate Rita, from 1999 until her own death, I determined to check in on her as often as possible.

~~ A 'slugger' ~~

One of my two fondest memories during those years was at breakfast time. Though I never asked her to do this, I determined that it was her way of remembering how she would do likewise for her love … my grandfather, Gordon Menveg. With the wonderful aroma of eggs, bacon and homemade hash browns in the air, she would ask me to sit at the table, having placed the morning paper (yes, when there actually was a paper) onto the table with the sports section laid to the top. For a breakfast appetizer she would cut a grapefruit in half and delicately slice each section so that every chuck could simply be lifted with a spoon.

My second memory were of the chats that we would so enjoy. At first she was reluctant to tell many of the stories, but with persistence, I was able to convince her, explaining that I would be the last person that she would divulge them to. They told of her childhood, my mothers childhood, of hard work and a difficult life. I had come to see why she was so very reluctant. And now I know that some of those stories, they will forever die with me.

I’m sadden to know that such hardship exist. Such sadness was reinforced this past week. While searching for the spelling of her middle name I came across her divorce document from one of her marriages dated January of 1952. On this document it states, “The marriage contract annulled, for the cause of extreme cruelty”. I knew from stories told, that the particular last episode in question was on Christmas eve of 1951. Even so, to read “extreme cruelty” --- my heart aches for all that she had to endure. I’m so sorry Nana, I’m so very, very sorry!

But here I was, the end of February 2009, positive that this was my last visit. So looking back after reaching for the front door knob, God gifting me with one last smile from a lady who is remembered not for her troubled life. No, she will forever hold the memory of one who was determined, who worked hard, and endured, and gave of herself in such a way, that Nana, I hope to always do likewise.

Forever grateful,

Your grandson, Rick                                 

 

                            



 

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