On Feb. 4, 2021, at 1 a.m., my beautiful grandma Josephine Dominguez passed away peacefully in her sleep.
Losing her was one of the worst pains I have ever experienced. When I heard the news at 5 a.m. that morning, I felt my heart and soul break in two. I can still hear my mom slowly open the door and speak my name to get my attention.
Growing up, she was my best friend. We would go outside in the backyard and play with our dogs and sit on our back porch and talk.
She would even do my hair when I wanted it to look special. Unfortunately, we had to stop this tradition when one of her teeth from her dentures fell on my head while she was braiding my hair.
It was easy for us to do all of these things because I had the luxury of her living down the hall from me since the day I was born. I grew up constantly surrounded by her love.
We shared everything together, even birth months. I was actually supposed to be born on Feb. 18, the day after she was born on Feb. 17. Instead, I decided not to be birthday buddies with her, and was instead born on Feb. 3.
My grandma died the day after my 18th birthday. My family and I always joke that it was her way of getting back at me. One of my friends got me a necklace that has the date she died and the words “one last dig” on it.
That was her humor. She messed around with me jokingly and teased me like she was a teenager. That’s what made her so special. Nothing would ever dull the sparkle in her eyes or her smile.
I was lucky that she got to see me turn 18 before she passed; she even managed to give me one last birthday card. I also got her signature from the card tattooed on me. Now, no matter where I go, she will be with me forever.
I wear her heart necklace that she gave me on her last Christmas every single day because of the meaning it holds — that no matter how far apart we are, we will always be together. I do wish that she got to witness me graduate high school, turn 19, graduate college, get my dream job and get married.
Grandma, you were my best friend, and I will carry the knowledge and love that you gave me in my heart forever. Your laughter will always be my favorite sound in the world. When I win all of those awards for my documentaries that we talked about, you will be the first person I thank.
You are my inspiration always. Your strength and love were my favorite qualities that you had. Thank you for teaching me those qualities and so much more. They are things that I will never forget for the rest of my life.
I miss you so much, but I know that you are with me in my heart forever, tu hija.
