In Memory

On Thursday morning Jonny's Grandma Evelyn Rejholec passed away. As she was battling Pancreatic cancer, we knew her time was short, so we were prepared for the news. But even though her death is timely and expected, there is grief because she was loved so much by so many.

Jonny flew to Indiana for the funeral this weekend, so I thought I'd use this time at home to write a little tribute to Grandma Evelyn.

I've only know Grandma for three years, as I am still relatively new to the Rejholec family. But I will never forget the times we spent with her in her cozy home in Columbus, Indiana.

The first visit we made was about 7 months after we were married. Jonny was so excited for me to meet his witty, full-Czech, Flushing NY-raised grandma. Our flight arrived late at night, but she was still up to welcome us with open arms, making me feel at home immediately. When I loved a Rueben sandwich I ate at a restaurant during our stay, she made an even better one for me in her own kitchen. I remember talking with Grandma alone at breakfast while Jonny showered. I asked about her husband Rudy, who had died years earlier, and she grinned as she told me of their courtship. One evening we looked through family photo albums together while she told of her children growing up. I loved learning so much about this woman that I had just met, but already loved. Before we left she gave me a gift, an onyx necklace that I wear often and love. I remember her saying it was "dainty" just like me.

Less than two years later we visited Grandma again, this time with Julia in tow. She loved "her Julia" and invited friends over so she could show off her great-grand baby. Julia was a very squirmy, active 4-month-old at the time, and would rarely sit still. Grandma would get worn out trying to hold her! But, as you can see from the pictures, there was a time when Julia settled down and snuggled with Grandma. I think that made her day.

Every now and then I'd call Grandma to thank her for a card or gift, or just to say hi. She was always happy to talk and sent kisses and hugs to all of us, especially Julia.

And that concludes my brief history with this amazing woman. I know Jonny loved her, as did all of her family, friends, and even the waiters at her favorite restaurants (her "boyfriends," she called them!) We all know she is overjoyed to be with her sweetheart Rudy again; maybe they're eating Cracker-Jacks together right now. I'm grateful to have had the chance to meet and love Grandma Evelyn. I'll miss her stories, jokes, telephone conversations about the weather, and her Reuben sandwiches.

We love you, Grandma Rejholec. Kisses and hugs from all of us, especially Julia.