So, one evening, I sat on the floor of my tiny studio apartment, wondering how I was going to pay the next month's rent, never mind buy food or Christmas gifts, when I opened up my grandmother's old jewelry box. I was crying and feeling very sorry for myself, but very grateful I remembered to take this box with me. After my grandmother passed away, my grandfather kept this box, untouched on top of her dresser. After he left his apartment, I took the box and held onto it for safe-keeping. I opened it up and found a treasure-trove of religious articles, photos of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, rosary beads, a little statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a small, red leather coin purse. All my life I called my grandmother, "Mama," but pronounced it "Mumma."
I fingered the smooth leather and thought it was of a very nice quality, especially for my grandmother to have, since, according to her, she had "nothing of worth except her family." I opened it up and as I peered inside, the contents it held blurred as my tears fell. This little purse held three twenty dollar bills and a photo of my grandfather. Here I had been, wondering how I was going to survive and feeling so alone when I realized my grandparents were beside me all along. I truly believe my grandmother's spirit urged me on to make that momentous decision to start a new life, and here she was with a bit of salvation in the form of $60.
Eleven years have passed since I found that little red purse and I have borrowed from it many times. I always paid her back. Each time I open the purse, I see the photo of my grandfather and it reminds me that I am never alone. My grandparents cared for me when I was young - I cared for them when they grew old - and now they are angels - watching over me.
