Eugenia with Emry, November 2010

Next weekend we are heading to Point Reyes for a memorial for Mikhail’s grandma Eugenia. Known as Granny or Great-Granny, depending on who you ask.

When I think of Eugenia, I think first of her incredible green-blue eyes. Not only remarkably bright, but so open to the world, so interested and engaged.

Eugenia with Elan, February 2007

She had the power of listening and a curiosity about the world that I find inspiring.

She was a welcoming matriarch to those of us who married in. I always felt brought into the fold of family being around Eugenia.

Eugenia and me, November 2008

When my sister organized a project of bunting flags with messages on them for Emry’s birth, Eugenia wrote: We always will help you. Granny

I’ve looked at her message so many times over the years, in the good and bad moments of parenting. I can see it hanging there now in the hallway just outside my bedroom door.

I’ve said this before, but I still find it remarkable. When Emry was born, my children had five living great-grandparents. Now they have two. There has been a lot of loss over these almost-four years. But witnessing connections spanning four generations is a gift I count us lucky to receive.

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