16 Comments
User's avatar
Rick_KC's avatar

This hit me. I never had a good relationship with either one of my grandmothers. This is an absolutely beautiful piece. I am happy you had this time with her. Well done

Rivers + Robots's avatar

Thank you, Rick. The writing itself (all of it) has been helpful in working through my demons. It points out my own tendencies and puts past events into perspective.

Yeah, duh. 😁 Maybe that's an obvious effect of writing, but to me, it's revelatory.

Rick_KC's avatar

Writing is a gift not many have the pleasure of experiencing. We are in a small and select group. Our lives play out differently than the outsiders do.

Gary Trujillo's avatar

Lovely. Enjoyed this one a bunch. ✨

Rivers + Robots's avatar

Thank you, Gary! I really appreciate you saying that.

Spam Sullivan's avatar

Wow this is absolutely beautiful. My dad’s mom was a Helen. Helens are absolutely incredible people. Loved this piece! Very thoughtful and touching.

Rivers + Robots's avatar

Oh, that's cool!

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.

To the Helens!🥂

Ram's avatar

Someone worth looking up to. This is very moving because it is eloquently written, Kristi; not maudlin, but warm. I love it.

And yeah, I'm looking at my 91 year-old father.

Rivers + Robots's avatar

Thank you!

Glad you have your father around. We all need our wisdom keepers.

Debdutta Pal's avatar

So inspirational.

Let me make another cup of coffee. 😁

Jude Klinger's avatar

OH... I wish Helen had met our great friend George. We skied with him until he was 102. They would have had good laughs together! (And George always had the latest iPhone & knew how to use it.) She sounds amazing. George passed at 106. Maybe they've found each other after all!

Rivers + Robots's avatar

I love this comment. I got a little teary reading it. Thank you for sharing a bit about George. Amazing, the both of them! Helen would have most definitely enjoyed a friend her age who could keep up.

Anyone younger who has the opportunity to spend time with someone possessing big passion for life and a willingness to adapt and change well into their elder years should take notes and count themselves lucky.

Jude Klinger's avatar

Indeed!!

Ethan's avatar

I only met her a couple times. She was awesome!

Rivers + Robots's avatar

She was! Before coming out west, nearly everyone I'd ever known had crossed paths with her.

I have a lifetime of things to say about Helen. She's part of me now (and my kid). The show will go on.