I spent half of my childhood with Mamo (Doris) and at her and Papa's (Gene's) home. They were more like second parents: Mamo taught me how to read, tie my shoes, cook, and write a check. Some of my happiest memories are summers playing baseball in the backyard, going to deer forest, and playing cards after school. She taught me to work hard but to also not take life too seriously (practical jokes were a favorite: I cannot count the number of presents she hid, for no real reason, or times she would hide and jump out when I'd walk through the door).
I feel so lucky that she was there for high school, college, and even law school graduation: in fact, she spent my birthday in 2019 with me in Champaign, Illinois, eagerly meeting all of my friends and law professors. Because that's who she was: such a friendly, genuine, lovely person. Every birthday and holiday, the number of cards she sent and received was astounding. Her family, friends, and home truly meant the world to her. Despite the year that was 2020, I was fortunate to finish school remotely, from her house. She rented me the room for "a nickel an hour" and we'd have coffee and play cards on my breaks. Though the loss is tremendous, it is mixed with happiness in her being reunited with Papa. The two of them were my favorite people, and I will miss them for the rest of my life.
