One of my favorite stories about my grandmother is one I tell often about my name. When my mom, Penny, wanted to name me as a baby she had her heart set on Mary - so my name would be Mary Kristin Pichardo. Once Mama Margie heard this - she swiftly replied with her Spanglish accent, "Ay mija, if you name her Merry (Mary) Kristin, then what will you name your son, Happy New Jeer (Year)? LOL. Needless to say, my beautiful mom decided on Mallory and I think it's just about perfect :). This was my grandmother - anything for a laugh. Although sometimes brutally honest, she was consistent and it was always for the absolute best. Inside, her heart was pure gold. I still can't believe she's not with us anymore - but I find comfort in the fact that she ultimately made her own decision once she knew we would all be OK and she would be able to better help us from a higher place. This is what she promised and this is what I believe. While she was living she was sacred and I protected her a great deal. Now her memory is what is most sacred to me and I will continue to keep her alive through living my life genuinely, listening to good music, cooking good meals, and unconditionally loving the family I have around me - just as she spent her entire life, and what a good life it was. Mama Margie adored her whole family but had a special place in her heart for my mom, Penny and my dad, Eddie – who she lived with. She knew the sacrifices they made to always make her comfortable to feel like a queen up until her last moments here on Earth. She never took this for granted and mentioned it often. Mama Margie and I had a lot of alone time together when my parents would work, before I got married and I lived at home. I am so happy I was old enough to appreciate and take advantage of each moment and more importantly remain present. I thank my parents for always stressing the importance of having Mama Margie and not taking anything for granted at any time. They taught me how to love, respect and appreciate her and always 'pay it forward'. For this reason alone, I can say I have no regrets and I was able to soak in the knowledge and the amazing friendship. Ultimately, my mother was Mama Margie’s main caregiver and there are just no words to describe the pride I feel towards the way my mother handled this role. Mom, what a legacy you have facilitated for Mama Margie and that you’ve given yourself! You are such an amazing woman. You’ve taught me what I have to do and I now more than ever understand the gift of life we have and everything in between. This is what it’s all about and I am truly humbled. As we continue to laugh and cry deeply - I can't help but pray that I have kids and grandkids that mourn me as much as we mourn Mama Margie. There are no words to describe what she meant to me and us. Even in her death she's teaching us so much about family, appreciation, dignity, choice, legacy, strength, love and commitment. Who knew when Margarita Balay was born on June 5th 83 years ago, that she would become such a blessing in so many people’s lives? I am lucky to call her my Mama Margie, a mom, a best friend, an angel. God bless you, Mama Margie – until we meet again… Love you always, Mallory (your proud and humbled granddaughter)