Where Angels Fear To Tread

Gigi and Grandpa E came into our lives in the spring of 2012. They are my older daughters’ birth great grand parents. I know it’s a mouthful.

It started with one email that burgeoned into over five hundred emails and well over a thousand text messages over the course of thirteen years. Our relationship was one of give and take. I offered an asynchronous albeit steady view into the lives of their great grand children from afar. Gigi filled in the gaps, told me stories about their great grandfather and where he came from.

Her emails were like care packages, full of tidbits, smelling lovely and gussied up in a pretty bow. There were often vintage photos and long, rambling tales from a time before me. I took it all in, knowing that my older girls will someday read through these reams of words and get to know the great grandfather, his daughter – their grandmother Marie and their common love for cars and racing.

Gigi however, did not stop with stories about grandpa E. She offered a window into her life, the lives of all those close to her. It was a beautiful sharing that helped me get to know and understand the people who shaped the people I care about now. Every spring and winter, gifts would arrive in the mail addressed to the Iyer girls. When they were younger, it was clothes, custom puzzles and, barrettes. As they grew older, it was whatever was the flavor of the season. Sometimes, jewelry. Sometimes, K-pop merch.

Gigi and I shared a bond that transcended blood and family. We were kindred souls. We both believed in extending all of ourselves without reserve. If Gigi shared her family with me, I shared mine with her. I sent pictures and videos. I shared tales of my upbringing and what molded me into the person I am today. I wrote long, rambling emails about faith, religion, culture and my belief systems. I sent her birthday and Christmas gifts. I included her in my one big happy family.

Yesterday, Gigi left this world to join Grandpa E. She lived a long, full life filled with love and family. She is a cherished presence in our home. As I tell others often, I know her memory will be a blessing in our lives.

Rest well, Gigi.