cali_thekittywaxer

A Judy Garland song for my Grandma Joan💕
9/12/1940-11/24/2025

One week ago today, my mom called me from my grandma’s phone because she’d been asking for me. It took her almost 10 minutes to finally get out, “What do I do now?” I couldn’t wrap my head around it — the strongest woman I’ve ever known, brave her whole life, suddenly scared and panicked.

The fact that we could calm her with a Carole King album — that music could reach her when nothing else could — was oddly comforting. It felt like maybe, in her hardest hour, I got to help her even a tiny fraction as much as she helped me my whole life.

Today, I find peace in knowing she’s no longer battling depression or cancer, and in the little signs she’s already sending: Carole King songs popping up, the color red, and more. I’ll miss you in the flesh forever, but I’ll keep singing and knowing you’re here in every lifetime.

If you love me, it’s because of my Grammy Joan. She lives in me and in every member of our family.

I’ll post a collage of videos and photos soon, but for now, here’s an Audrey Hepburn (Henry Mancini) favorite my Grammy loved from Breakfast at Tiffany’s — a song I sang the night she passed — along with a Judy Garland tune. Carole King will take me a few days to get through because it still makes us cry, but more acoustic Grandma tributes are coming soon. ❤️😊

I will also be posting something soon for my Aunt Robyn who also passed this same week after a 5 year cancer battle as well. RIP Grammy Joan, and Auntie Robyn Anne💕