My favorite memories of my grandmother Charry are all very sweet. By that I mean that they most often involve some kind of a dessert. When I would go out to California to visit her, I would sit with her and eat treats that I could not get at home, such as flan and mango cake.  When she would come out to Indiana to visit me, again, I would always sit with her and eat my favorite kinds of desserts. The last time that she came to Indiana to visit, I specifically remember eating pies and cinnamon rolls with her as well as helping her pick out candy at the Denver International Airport for the long ride out to Indiana. And, of course, even when we were not visiting each other and were miles apart, she would always send out packages with my favorite types of chocolate. She always made sure to include chocolate in the packages, and she never forgot the types that were my favorite. Like me, she had a sweet tooth, and because of this, it is for multiple reasons that the times I have spent with my grandmother will always remain as some of the sweetest memories that I have ever had.

My favorite memory of grandma is actually a collection of consistent events that went on through the years. Since we lived over 2,000 miles apart,  she always went out of her way to make the distance gap a little smaller.  One way she did this was by sending out packages. These packages were full of surprises, with a variety of goodies I had never seen before. But the thing in these packages that caught my attention however, was the endless amount of clothes she sent out. Grandma would spend hours in various  stores, making sure she had found the perfect outfit for me to wear. My favorite piece of clothing she sent out would have to be the dress she sent me when I was ten.  It is a beautiful dress that came all the way from the Philippines.  I remember calling her that day to thank her, hearing the excitement in her voice when she found out I liked it.  The first time I wore it was to a play of The Nutcracker, and I felt like a princess as I walked inside the theatre. Today, I have developed my grandma's love of fashion, thinking of her with each and every one of the dresses I pick out. I still have the dress she gave me, and I plan to pass it on to my kids someday,  reminding them of their grandma and Filipino heritage. I am very honored to know that by wearing the clothes she gave me, I am carrying around a piece of her with me as I experience the beauties of life.

I guess I owe Charry more than anyone in the world, because she created the greatest gift anyone could ever have, and the most incredible person I have ever known, my wife and her daughter, Ava.  What I remember most about Charry, is that no matter where she was or who she was with, she was the smartest person in the room, but nobody else knew it. She would quietly take in every word and every move being made, and she did not miss a thing. She had everyone figured out, but she was quiet and gave the impression she was unaware of what was happening, when actually, she was the only one who really had a complete handle on the situation. She had a great, sarcastic sense of humor, but most people never realized how funny she was  because her comments went over their heads since they did not have the keen observational skills and mastery of the situation that she had.

I've been trying to decide my favorite memory to share of my grandmother Charry and have been having difficulties deciding which one. She was such a wonderful grandmother and I have so many memories from our numerous shopping trips, to the stories of her childhood she would tell me, to packages she's send out and the trips she and I made to visit each other. If I had to choose a favorite though, it would be our trip to Washington D.C. Although I was little when we went I remember many of the details such as the tour of The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Greek food we ate and playing games at Mt. Vernon. The trip had a huge impact on both of us and Grandma told me once it was the most important thing in her life other than having kids.

I remember Manang Charing growing up. She was three years older than me. I was in high school when she came to Manila to study chemical engineering and her older brother, Erasmo was staying with us. She was an inspiration for me to study hard and become a physician. The memories of visiting her, my aunt Monica and cousins were very memorable which I have shared with my family. We will miss her dearly and may she Rest In Peace.

OBITUARY

Charry Guillermo Eugenio

January 9, 1940 – November 15, 2018

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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