Bewitching, Beguiling, Bewildering

Much to Millie's dismay, Louise was once married to her only child, my Grandpa Frank. It was no wonder the reason Frank loved her so. She was a beautiful, regal lady, possessing grace and dignity that eluded other women. She rivaled pin up girls from the 1920's and 1930's. I imagine that in her day she was probably considered the epitome of a femme fatale. Her alluring and seductive charms left men spent and yearning for more. Don't misunderstand me. She never left the men in her life broken hearted, merely aching for one more moment of her company.

Grandma Lou, as she was known to me, was the only one left broken hearted. Since Millie never approved of her (no one could ever be worthy enough of her baby), the marriage between this beguiling young lady and the quiet, enigmatic man lasted only a short period of time. Louise lost not only her first love in the ruins of the marriage, she lost her beautiful little girl. Her Dolly!! She left her life behind her in pursuit of a new and different happiness.

Louise discovered a rich and fulfilled life full of joy and laughter. Along her journey, she passed through our lives in brief intervals. On rare occasions I remember visiting her at a local department store where she was employed. We would stand at a distance and watch her animated interactions. It was obvious to me that Dolly, my Nanny and Louise's daughter, was bewildered by this virtual stranger. She desired, as so many others longed for, to live in her world. A world diametrically opposed to Millie's world. Dolly knew, however, that her relationship with her birth mother would crush Millie. As a result Dolly could only steal rare moments with her bewitching mother and we were left with a longing to know more of her.

Usually with age and the realities of life, beauty and joy fade. Not so for Louise. The last time I saw her she was in her late eighties. She could still vie with Jean Harlow or Marlene Dietrich in the height of their careers. The sparkle in her eyes shone as brightly as it ever had and her smile could still illimunate the darkest night. She never lost her spirit for living, laughing and loving.