This morning my 96 year old grandmother, Esther Garbus, left this earth. Anyone who knew her would agree that she was nothing short of spirited and feisty. She fought to the end. She has been suffering for some time now, especially since the stroke and I am relieved that she can finally be at peace.

She departed the physical world early this morning.  I was initially upset that she was alone when she passed but my mom reminded me that she preferred to do things on her own terms and that would include slipping away quietly. My brother agreed and appropriately borrowed one of Gram’s infamous lines: “She didn’t want to be picnic-ing around”. (I’m not entirely sure where Gram acquired this phrase but she used it frequently for as long as we can all remember).

I will certainly grieve this loss but find comfort in knowing that she can finally join my grandpa, Uncle Eddie, and Aunt Fritizie in life beyond this earth. I know she has missed them terribly. I’d like to believe for Gram’s sake that the afterlife is exactly like the New York City she remembered as a child growing up in the Bronx. Frank Sinatra is playing ‘New York, New York’ on repeat. I think she’d like that too.

To one of the most loving, vibrant, and generous people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing- Esther K. Garbus, dream sweetly, you’re home now.