From left to right: My Grandpa George, Grandma Ollie, Grandma Helen, and Grandpa Adrian.

Grandpa George and Grandma Helen were my mother’s and her sister’s parents. Interestingly, Helen and Adrian were good friends.

Grandpa George and Grandma Helen didn’t have much in common—nor did Ollie and Adrian.

Eventually, both couples divorced. Grandpa George then married Ollie, and Grandma Helen married Adrian. This photo captures a special moment during their trip to Hawaii to celebrate their new unions.

Grandpa George and Grandma Ollie lived at 636 Maple Court in San Leandro, California. They were actual city folks enjoying the conveniences and lifestyle of urban living.

On the other hand, Grandma Helen and Grandpa Adrian settled in Grass Valley, California, where they ran a wood mill. They fully embraced country living, deeply loving the outdoors and fondness for animals.

I spent a lot of time with Grandpa George, who lived just 45 minutes from Los Altos, where my brother and I lived.

(My brother George was named after our grandpa!).

We spent several summers with Grandma Helen and Grandpa Adrian at the wood mill, and it was always an adventure.

George and I loved being surrounded by nature.

The sweet aromas from my grandma Ollie’s kitchen were always irresistible. The comforting scent of chicken soup simmering on the stove and the rich, savory fragrance of garlic, ginger, onions, chopped carrots, celery, and turmeric was a true delight. Grandpa George had a warmth and gentleness about him, and I cherished every day spent at their cozy home. Grandpa George was like an angel to me, loving me unconditionally and wholeheartedly.

Behind his back, my stepmother often referred to Grandpa George with not-so-kind nicknames, implying he was as old as a dinosaur. I never appreciated her humor, especially when it came to my grandparents.

Grandma Helen was an incredibly bright woman despite never having any formal education.

She raised three remarkable children: my mother, Connie, and Dorothy. She always created a warm and inviting home no matter where life took her.

Grandpa George taught me countless things. I gained a deep understanding of life from him. Their life in San Leandro was peaceful and unhurried.

Afternoons were for naps, and dinner was always simmering on the stove. Within this loving and safe space, I learned what it felt like to be adored without condition. We played card games and listened to my grandfather’s stories. I longed to live full-time with my grandparents. However, my father would never permit it. This saddened me but also shaped my path to who I am today.

My time with Grandpa George was my true sanctuary. Without him, I doubt I would have developed such qualities as being a person of integrity and kindness that define me today. He taught me invaluable lessons about family and unconditional love. I cherished every weekend I was with him, which continues to be the foundation of who I am. My grandfather knew my home life was a battleground where my mental and emotional resilience was constantly tested.

Sadly, he passed away when I was in my 20’s.