My Bachan

Tonight after 91 years on this earth my Bachan passed away. She passed in her sleep, peacefully, after suffering what was described at the time as a mild heart attack early this afternoon. Sadly with her advanced age she never really had a chance.

I found out right when I got home for lunch since my Uncle had called my Mother 5 minutes earlier. They didn't think it was too serious at the time since she was fully conscious and seemed to responding to treatment. My folks were on the way to the hospital within half an hour and promised to call me if there was any news.

I went back to work, dreading any phone call but none came. I assumed she was doing okay so I went off to practice and after getting home picked up a message from Mom saying Bachan wasn't doing too well and that they'd be home soon. I waited with the dog, walking up and down the street. When they pulled up at 11 before I could even speak Mom mouthed the words, "Bachan's dead".

My Brother came over and we reminisced, thinking especially hard about yesterday, one of the rare chances I've had nowadays to spend a whole day with her and what good spirits she was in, laughing outside watching us play with the dog. I wondered aloud if maybe the reason I got so violently ill in the morning was to give me a chance to spend one more day with her.

There's a lot to miss about her. Most important to me is the fact that she was one of the few relatives to never judge me and love me for what I am. No matter how bad I fucked up or how much trouble I got into Bachan's response was always the same. She'd laugh. She didn't care what color girls I brought home or sit and gossip with all the Aunties about my latest escapades. Her love was unconditional.

I loved her as much as she loved me. I'll miss my Bachan. Always.