On June 30th 2009 my grandmother passed away. Referred to as "Abuela Borja" by family & friends, Angeles Borja Basulto was a special type of grandmother. She wasn't the "I love you" kissy type, but she made up for that in other ways. From photos and stories, I heard she had a great life as a young adult then started working as a supervisor at Pan Am. Pan Am defined most of her life because she worked for them for over 40 years.
(Abuela Borja at her job pre-Pan Am. probably in late teens, early 20's)
(My Father and his parents. 1940's)
She traveled the world...Germany, Buenos Aires, Italy. I even got a hold of her vintage Fendi Make-up bag that she bought in her travels. I think I'm gonna sport it for a few months in her honor. She had tiny feet so I could never fit into her shoes and amazing vintage clothes from the 60's and 70's...again, very tiny, probably an extra small or a small. The colors and prints in her closet were magical.
(Her original name tag)
At Pan Am she had the opportunity to meet celebrities. She told me she saw and/or met tons of celebrities at one point or another including the Presidents, Recording Artists & Actors. I was always intrigued by that.
(Autographed signature of the Cast of Miami Vice)Abuela Borja enjoyed cocktails and cigarettes. Do you blame her? She was always the life of the party. She was probably about 5 ft tall and drove a Bonneville (like this one), the longest car on the planet but perfect for a feisty little fire cracker like my grandmother. We called it the banana boat, long and yellow. I used to be so embarrassed when she picked me up from middle school. I regret that...What was I thinking? That was a classic. She was so petite she probably needed a booster seat to see over the steering wheel.
(Above, Abuela Borja is always in the front row for group photos, cause she was always the tiniest.)
Dancing was something I still got her to do just until May. I have some amazing clips of her dancing with me. These will be cherished forever. There would be no music, just me singing "Lets Dance" by David Bowie. That did the job!
(Above, Abuela Borja is always in the front row for group photos, cause she was always the tiniest.)PAN AM Advertisement 1975 - MIAMI HERALD
(Pan Am ad in the Miami Herald that ran on Feb 12, 1975. Guess who is front and center...Awww Abuela Borja! She had connections I guess.)Abuela Borja was infamous for cutting the grass with scissors. She squatted down and cut all day long with a cigarette or cigar hanging between her lips on the side of her mouth. She can out squat anyone, young and old. She was the most flexible old lady I have ever seen! She managed to find a few pets to keep her company in the yard including cats and roosters.
(Abuela Borja 2006 -2007)
Thankfully I visited my family twice in May 2009 to spend a little quality time with Abuela Borja since I knew she wasn't doing well! Those trips, she was very touchy and pet my arms and back. She never was really that affectionate when I was a kid. All those days of yearning for that type of grandmother, I got in 2 weeks. She caressed me, gave me kisses and told me she loved me after I told her I loved her. It was a new relationship and a new dynamic that I really enjoyed. We chilled pretty hard. I guess that's what makes it so hard. She suffered from of Alzheimer's and really hasn't recognized any of us in a couple of years. I was still determined to create a new relationship with her and it was amazing.
Something told me to take some "extra" photos, some new videos of her, and I did. These last two photos were taken 4 weeks ago. When I was headed to the airport I remember I just wanted a few more extra kisses than usual from my Abuela Borja. I think I told her I'll be back soon, but I just can't remember. I teared up a bit and headed off. I was supposed to visit her next week. Well looks like I am still going to be visiting her. I miss her allot and have a lot of regrets. I wish I spent more time with her. I wish I chose to stay home with her instead of going out years ago. I wish she recognized me. Even so, I'm happy to have been with her, her last days on earth!
We love you and miss you and will never forget all the great memories we had... those that were good, the bad & the hilarious ones! All I have now is memories and video of my grandmother.
I Love you Abuela Borja!
Something told me to take some "extra" photos, some new videos of her, and I did. These last two photos were taken 4 weeks ago. When I was headed to the airport I remember I just wanted a few more extra kisses than usual from my Abuela Borja. I think I told her I'll be back soon, but I just can't remember. I teared up a bit and headed off. I was supposed to visit her next week. Well looks like I am still going to be visiting her. I miss her allot and have a lot of regrets. I wish I spent more time with her. I wish I chose to stay home with her instead of going out years ago. I wish she recognized me. Even so, I'm happy to have been with her, her last days on earth!
We love you and miss you and will never forget all the great memories we had... those that were good, the bad & the hilarious ones! All I have now is memories and video of my grandmother.
I Love you Abuela Borja!
