My step-grandmother has died.

Sue and my grandpa began dating in 1990, sometime in the year after the death of my grandmother.  They married in the summer of 1996.  I got to perform the wedding; they asked me the day of my college graduation. 

It was Sue who was present for so many of the significant moments of my life as I transitioned from adolescence through early adulthood.

When they were just dating, our family enjoyed going over to her family's Christmas Eve celebration, which was always very elegant.  It was a favourite tradition of ours in the early 90's, years when many of our childhood traditions had come to an end.

A relationship with a step-anything can be complicated.  At times I described myself as Sue's biggest fan in our family; at times I did not.  In the last few years I saw her only a few times a year.  She and Pappoo began travelling down here hardly at all, and I'd get through Miami two or three times a year to spend a little time with them.  Her health had been deteriorating.  In all my recent visits she was very sweet and kind, though forgetful.

I feel most deeply for my grandfather who must now bury a second wife.