Ophelia Gilmore June 26, 1923-May 5, 2009

Dear Torchy,

I always loved your nickname and thought it was neat that I could call you Torchy instead of Grandma. I felt like I was getting away with something.

Torchy, I am so thankful for the time we had together when I first moved to Dallas and began my teaching career. I would come over every Tuesday night (and any other night I called and you let me drop by) and you would cook me dinner. I so enjoyed hanging out with you and watching you cook. You were so good at setting the timer and you were sure to fuss everytime I did the dishes, but I had to do something to help out. That was such an extra special time in my life that I think of so fondly. You tried several times to teach me to make Jalepeno Dressing and you would make it on everyday occasions just because you, Uncle James and I loved it so much. I am pretty sure that everytime I came over I would crash out on your couch and watch tv and so many of those times I remember getting to lay my head in your lap. I could also bring laundry to your house and it was never a problem.

It was fun times helping you pack up your apartment. Maybe not so fun. You were so adament on how to do things and of course I had a much better plan. You were going to be packed weeks before your move but I realized then where I got my stubborness from.

I remember crawling up in the bed with you one time when you were at the hospital and watching game shows. The nurses frowned on us, but we didn't care. Grandma, I so badly wanted to crawl into bed with you yesterday at the hospital and watch tv but instead I got to hold your hand, give you a kiss and tell you to go on to heaven. I'm so glad you are with Jesus and so many other loved ones.

I have such wonderful memories that have been brought to my mind since yesterday. One time when I was little I came by myself to Dallas and when we went to the grocery store you bought me green apples just because I wanted them. Then I got in trouble because I didn't eat them. I loved coming to see you because you always had treats and especially Honey Buns. I particulary remember sitting in front of your old house on Audelia and the song that goes, "You gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em" came one and you said that was one your favorites. I was floored because that didn't really seem your style. I love that song to this day. I remember driving to your bank, which seemed like the longest drive in the world. All the cashiers knew and loved you there. When I moved to Dallas you would go home with me and I so enjoyed the company and you always had change in your pockets to pay the toll. You always loved to stop and get a "cold drink"!

I can vividly remember a scary time too. We had gone Christmas shopping at Town East Mall and Kari and I were with you in the car. You began driving us home and I was terrified we wouldn't make it doing 45 mph on the freeway. But you did. (I drove from there on out.) You made it to 85 years old. There are so many more memories, some sad, some that made us mad, but most of the them are so funny and good!

Thank you for loving me all the time. I'm so thankful of all the special times we had together. I love you so much. I miss you already!

Love always,

Stephanie