Natalie Fiol

Granddaughter, graphic designer & photographer

Gradabru,

You spent so much time writing for and about all of us in the family—it only makes sense to write about you now. I never would have attempted this in your presence—not because you didn’t deserve it or because you wouldn’t have received it with kindness and love—but because you were simply the best writer I’ve encountered and I’m a bit of a chicken.

I have been reflecting on our time together and on your impact on my life and I am left feeling incredibly lucky, for your effects are exponential. In my youth, you took me shopping, taught me to make marzipan, let me play with your elephant collection and the toys at your office, whooped me in Scrabble, Upwords, and Boggle, called me for pop culture help on the New York Times crossword puzzles, helped me with homework and papers, came to all of my concerts, games, and events, took me to see your hometown in Prague, to Terezin, where your relatives were held captive, to Germany, and London, taught me the dog songs, and always attempted to educate me on history, geography, and vocabulary (that never stopped).

School was always a subject that we connected on. Your interest in my classes and studies was nothing short of apparent. In high school, I enjoyed weekly lunches at home with you and Gramma. In college, you drove me to class a couple of times a week for a period of time. And when I got my first big girl job as a billboard designer, you requested a billboard tour, so I could point out my work on the streets. We would meet for lunch at that Chinese buffet, even though we often complained that it wasn’t all that good. The company was always good, though, and your consistent effort to spend time together meant and continues to mean so much.

You always treated my ideas, opinions, beliefs, and privacy with respect. You were so so generous with your time, your money, your resources, and your intellect. I wouldn’t be who I am, where I am, or with the opportunities I have without your significant contributions to my life. And you and gramma raised two amazing women who embody so many of the qualities that I am praising. I’ll miss your outbursts of baaaahh, the unique way that you hummed music, the pun-filled emails and emails in general, your verses for all occasions, and your warm, caring spirit. I cherish the memory of you secretly flashing me a thumbs up after I announced my pregnancy. I’m so thankful that you got to meet Olykai—I only wish that you’d gotten to have that conversation with her. Perhaps you did just as you departed. ;)

My earliest memories with you include chuckling together to the song “I’m my Own Grandpa.” It was the silliest song, but one that now carries new meaning. I’m not my own grandpa, but I’m a piece of my you. May your spirit live on through me and all of us who loved you so.