Grandma Vegas Everywhere

My grandmother, Dolly Cecelia Mills, went to be with the Lord on April 21, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born with her twin sister, Delores who preceded her in death at age 16. She married Alton J. Mills and lived in New Orleans before settling in Las Vegas for over 40 years. Dolly was a homemaker who also cared for children as a nanny. She loved to shop and could never pass up a bargain! She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a blessing to all who knew her. This is a poem I wrote in her honor. If you never knew my grandmother, it may not make much sense to you, but to those of us who knew her and loved her, each image will be cherished in our memories forever.

Grandma Vegas* Everywhere

by Laurie Reyes

4/29/05

She's not here, but I can see her.

She's in a better place, yet still,

If I look all around me

I can see her if I will.

In the Mill's smiling dimples,

Or the almond-shaped eyes,

Long chins, high cheek bones;

And a love for bargain buys.

In the glitter of Las Vegas

Or the steel magnolia tree

"Go-go Speed Racer", "dosey dotes",

or "hey, Charlie!"

When I pass the corner Walgreens

When I see my set of twins

When my mom laughs uncontrollably

About her with Aunt Fran.

And I see grandma in my mother

As she is my dad's right arm.

I can see her in my sister

With her glamour and her charm.

I can see her in my daughter

With her sparkle and her shine,

I will evermore be grateful

That her life echoes in mine.

*We always called her "Grandma Vegas" growing up.