Grandma, Kenric and I went to Denny’s for breakfast. We were not seated in her favorite waitress’ section. Halfway through the meal, Grandma called out to her when she walked by. “Norma.” Norma was very happy to see Grandma. They held hands. Grandma told her about Grandpa’s passing and Norma was very sympathetic. Grandma introduced us and said this would be the last time she’ll see Norma because she’s moving to South Dakota. “You’re gonna be cold!”

Norma pointed out Grandma and Grandpa’s favorite booth to our waitress who recalled seeing them at that booth. Our waitress expressed her condolences and gave Grandma a hug, and said, “Just know that we are here.” Another waitress looked at our table with a sad pouty face. From the open kitchen, Norma was saying something to her in Spanish; I heard “South Dakota”.

Our waitress said goodbye as we were leaving. Pouty Face who was clearing a table in the middle of the restaurant called out to Norma who was in the kitchen. Norma yelled, “Goodbye, Sweetie! Take care of yourself!” All three waitresses waved. It was bittersweet.

While Kenric’s grandparents are not goofy people, I was reminded of an old gentleman who was a regular at the Chinese restaurant where I worked. The first time I served his table, he said, “Young lady, I’m a left-hander, so I’ll need a left-hander Chinese tea cup, OK?” Whenever I gave him his doggy bag, I would say, “Here are your LEFTovers!” He liked that. I hope he lived a very long and happy life.

I got to play waitress again

Later today, I got to play somewhat of a waitress again. Last month, we heard at church that Judy R fell and broke her femur. It’s not humerus. I asked Grandma if she wanted me to cook something for Judy because Judy brought a homemade coffee cake two days after Grandpa passed away. She even included the recipe. Besides, she’s always been friendly over the years. She must have been a great kindergarten teacher.

Now that Judy is home from rehab, Grandma told her we’d like to bring dinner for her and her husband. Judy gladly accepted. One of Grandma’s biggest headaches is finding homes for things she has no use for and those things she’s not bringing to South Dakota. Luckily for Grandma and not so much for Judy, Grandpa’s wheelchair now has a new home. It’s a big relief for Grandma because the wheelchair was given to Grandpa by a family friend whose parents had both passed away, and Grandma really wanted to find a home that will benefit from it. I’m just sad it’s poor Judy.

Judy was using a walker and was her cheery self. Her husband said he looks forward to pushing her around in the wheelchair. Judy joked, “You like pushing me around.” The view of the green hills from their backyard was just as amazing as the view of snowy mountains from the freeway this morning. I hope they like the food and ask for more. Grandma has a few more of those little bowls.