My Rose

December 30, 2007 marks the day that my grandmother Rose Marie Clark-Johnson died . It marks the day I lost my twin and biggest fan. The day I lost the woman whose hips I inherited. The day I lost the lady who gave birth to my father . The day I lost the woman who called me "her heart".

Gigi ,as she is affectionately known was a very unique woman . She knew how to walk into a room and make everybody laugh . Everyone that knew her would say" Now you know Rose is crazy." In one breathe she would cuss you clean out and in the other tell you she loved you and pass you a twenty dollar bill.

I shared countless memories with her. I remember going to her house for the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on 62nd street and 23rd Ave drinking jug juices and hot dogs . I remember going to Goombay in The Grove dancing with the Junkanoo. I remember her letting me drive her van when I was 14 , it was our little secret . I remember going to her house with a virus, she nursed me back to health and took me on a shopping spree. I remember her giving out gifts and she always gave me a little extra.

She was notorious for meeting someone and giving them another name.I remember she had nicknames for me and my sisters. My older sister was her first love , my little sister was her passion and I was her heart.

She was a spunky, feisty, assertive , aggressive, humorous ,beautiful petite woman . She didn't have an old bone in her body . She came from a family where she was the only girl of five boys .So much so we couldn't call her grandma it was either Gigi , or auntie Gigi.She had a giving heart and was the life of the party . She was a true friend and one you could always count on. She was truly one of a kind.You could always find her in The Grove , Liberty City or Perrine at a funeral wake , social event , the casino , or just out and about . She was known for her gap , Christmas lights ,purple van and her pseudo personality, Conswella De La Rosa .

Ever since I was little, I dreaded the day she would no longer be here . Now it is a year later that she has been gone and It still has not set in for me . I find myself thinking about her everyday . The way she said my name . The way she walked. The she wore her hair . The way she sang . The way she laughed . The way she smiled. The way she danced.The way she loved me .

Although she is no longer here in body she left pieces of her on earth. I carry a piece of her with me everyday . When I look in the mirror at my figure I see her . I see her bright smile, humor , spunk and attitude. I miss her very much and know her existance was not in vain. She was truly a rose . A flower that spreads happiness, offers compassion and ultimately priceless. She gave 100% of herself to many people and she will never ever be forgotten.

To my grandmother and twin. I love you.