Saturday, April 9, 2011

Study of Grandma “Red”

Pencil 3"x5"

Study of Grandma “Red”


 Grandma “Red” was her name, socializing was her thing!
She would spend most of her time at her neighborhood park, across the street from her building, hours in conversation with friends. 
As the years went on, friends moved, friends died. Grandma began to spend more time in her apartment. This was where I began weekly visits. At the time my job was 10 minutes way from her building.
 She always has been a fan of TV. Her favorite soap was Young & The Restless. Grandma would watch anytime syndicated show but her favorite was The Jamie Foxx Show. She would all ways stated “That Jamie is crazy”. Then she would end it with a belly laugh. I laughed along.
It started with her sitting in the chair in the living room watching t.v. With her hands folded cross the upper stomach during my visits. Then, over the years, when she became weaker, she would be in her bedroom laying down watching TV, hands folded across her upper stomach.
The weekly visits became visits twice a month because I began to work at head start program in Harlem. I always ask if she need anything from the store before my visits. I didn't mind I enjoyed walking. traveling, but more of all,listening her talk.
 Fridays with Grandma Red had became the norm for us. It was easier for me because sometimes I found myself leaving her place late in the evening. Time flew during tv time and deep conversations with Grandma Red.