Mari Madrid Instagram – On Saturday my family had to say goodbye to our best girl, my Grandma Betty. I’m going to miss your three sentence emails whose purpose was just to check in. I’m going to miss the way you would hug me, then hold my hand and shake it while gazing at me, your expression saying “it’s good to see you.” I’m going to miss your kindness, your wit, your intelligence, your seemingly never ending patience, and your joy that emanated from so deep it couldn’t help but warm the people around you. You taught me the value of connection, of relationship, of family, and of art. Who would I have been if it wasn’t for your support? If it weren’t for your gentle encouragement to believe in the creative voice that sat inside me since I was a child. If I didn’t watch you navigate being a human, a wife, and a mother as an example of embodying all these things with love, backbone, and a damn good sense of humor. I’m so thankful you gave us a chance to be with you as you ended your journey on this earth. Those precious last few days with you gave me a chance to watch you sleep, pause to see your chest rise and fall, and understand that we are so blessed to have been a recipient of your love and wisdom. You live in us Grandma, and we’re going to miss your light so much here.