Aloha, Grandma Sophie
Jun 3rd, 2009 by Capsun
This is a photo of my Grandma Sophie as I remember her for most of my life. If you’ve been following me on Twitter or read my Facebook updates, you probably know we lost Grandma a few weeks ago. This past weekend, I went home for her funeral, when things really started to sink in. I’d like to share something that I posted earlier on Capsun’s Photo Blog, with a few updates. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank work for letting me take off three days of funeral leave. With the 17 days I’m already taking off for my wedding and honeymoon, I know my absence has made it harder on my co-workers, whom I also thank.
I have additional memories of Grandma, but heres’ what I’d like to share with all of you:
Growing up, what I remembered about Grandma Sophie was her always asking her grandchildren for her honi (her kiss) to say hello. Then, my next memory would be that her house was known for having “goodies” of all sorts. Whether it was some sort of candy (hard or soft), cookie, pastry, nut, or even a drink of your choice (my favorite was the canned Lipton Iced Tea), Grandma was sure to have it. I guess while it’s a parent’s job to tell us to eat our vegetables, it’s our grandparents’ job to give us candy!
As I got older, perhaps in the teens, one thing I really noticed was Grandma’s use of the Hawaiian language whenever possible. I grew up as a native English speaker, so she often had to repeat and then motion or finally, just say it in English. I don’t know if she knew that I took Hawaiian in college and could probably understand much more in recent years than I did when I was younger. It’s kupuna like her who have kept the Hawaiian language from the brink of extinction and it should be encouraged.
Finally, here’s a 12seconds video from the last time I saw Grandma Sophie. You’ll see and hear her being serenaded by her family (but not me – you really don’t want to hear me sing). If you’re wondering what song that is, it’s My Yellow Ginger Lei. I hope she enjoyed it as much as we did – it sure looked like she did.
Mahalo!
I love your grandmother’s smile. I see a joyful, loving soul shining through. As you mourn your loss, I hope you continue to relive your precious memories. They will help to ease your pain.
Oh, and the video wasn’t long enough!
Your memories of that wonderful woman will always be with you. What an awesome woman she must have been and will continue to be in your heart. The video was awesome. I wish it was a little longer
Keep thinking positive and have positive thoughts. Be strong during this time of mourning. Aloha my friend 
Thom and quilly: Thank you so much for your kind condolences. I never thought about her smile that much, but I’m glad you helped me remember that.
[...] least as far as deaths go. In April, we lost my great uncle, Uncle Dickie. In May, we lost my Grandma Sophie. And in July, we lost Grandpa John, shown here in a photo with Grandma Sophie. So I find myself [...]