A few weeks ago, a WhatsApp group shared some photos of my paternal grandmother's 100th birthday. I think it was almost nine years ago, and the truth is that it was a wonderful day for the whole family. It was literally the most anticipated 100th birthday. I remember years ago, we always talked about that day when my grandmother would have her 100th birthday. It was impressive to me, as a person, and being my grandmother, she could turn 100.
My grandmother's name was Marcela and she lived to be 107 years old. A lifetime full of stories, anecdotes, and a whole life experience. In life, she managed to courageously raise an entire family with more than 10 children, including my father. She fought so that everyone could have their respective educations and move forward in their lives. Even though my grandparents came from an isolated rural area in Anzoategui state, Venezuela, where electricity didn't even exist at the time, they decided to take a new route to the citadels of Ciudad Bolívar and Puerto Ordaz, where they raised their children and where they grew up as a family.
To this day, there are many family members I still haven't met. There are many of us, and that day, during my grandmother's birthday, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with some of those relatives I didn't know. It was a very special day where my grandmother felt loved by everyone. Well, it has always been that way, because my grandmother was always characterized as a very kind person, a true human being. She lived her life sharing with her entire family and acquaintances without holding a shred of resentment or hatred. Perhaps that's what led to her long life.
She always had a smile on her face and recounted her entire life, from her childhood to the many anecdotes she lived through over a century of life. It's impressive to know how much a person can experience during that time. She lived during a period where many things happened in the country and around the world. I always say that. It's a testament to a person who has been part of a whole history.
That day, we all shared memories between stories we had with my grandmother, as well as a feast of food, because my grandmother loved to eat. Despite her age, she still ate everything and loved mangoes. We also thought that it would be the last family reunion, as many would leave the country later. But it was the perfect event for us all to be together, celebrating my grandmother's century of life.
Seven years passed from that birthday to the day of my grandmother's death. I deeply regret not having shared much more time with her in the days leading up to it, but I will always have those beautiful memories I had with her throughout my childhood, when I used to go everywhere with her and my cousin. We were very close, and she spoiled us with everything. I will undoubtedly always be proud to have had a grandmother like her, and I will always consider her the best person who ever lived in this world.
All the photographs are from my family album.
