NANA.

This is my grandmother, Agripina Lily Fimbres Altamirano. She goes by “Lily” to friends, “Nana” to grandchildren (including me), and “Old Nana” to great grandchildren. Born November 27, 1923, she’ll be 89 this November. 89.

I’ve never known any person more kind, more loving, and more giving of her whole self—heart and soul—to her family and friends. This woman is, simply, loved by everyone who has ever met her. I’ve seen big touch macho tough guys players melt when she walks in the door and run up to hug an kiss “nana” (when they’re not even related). She has so much life and spunk and was, most definitely, a “traviesa” as a child (in the best kind of way). 

Because of her, my mother is just the same—giving her all to her family. And I would credit my mother and nana for any kindness and love and compassion and nurturing qualities I may have. 

This picture was taken just January 29, 2012. She is suffering Congestive Heart Failure since about this time. She’s home now, with my parents, and my mother giving nearly 24hr care as she’s too weak to do anything herself. She’s about 40 pounds lighter too. But she’s still here. And mom says she’s doing fine. Her mother, my great grandmother, lived for 10 years with a cancer that was supposed to kill her in less than 1 (and the cancer wasn’t even the cause of her death in the end). Strong genes, I say. So I’m hoping she makes it to 90, maybe even 95! 

She has too. 

She has too.

SIDE NOTE: In 2003 we threw her a HUGE 80th birthday party—the whole family was there (and she’s the eldest of over 12 kids, so it’s a BIG family), Mariachis, catering, the works! I put together a slideshow of her life and her family for the party. You can see it (and some TERRIBLY EMBARRASSING photos of younger me) at the following link, if you’re interested:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbarton/sets/72157594241478296/