‘Drive Slow': Gazelle Pays Tribute to His Loving Grandmother

And just like that, the last of my grandparents has passed on from this world.

I knew this day would eventually come, but could never fathom the pain it carries. My grandmother, Jeannette Arsenault, was 90 when she left this world, only days from her 91st birthday. Her family misses her dearly, and the easiest way to grieve is to tell you all about the woman who helped raise and shape my brother and me into the men we are.

My French side of the family refers to her as Mémeré and she was the family matriarch. Born and raised in Fall River, she resided on Eaton Street for decades. When she wasn't watching her daily soap operas, she spent her time reading books and running errands. Give her a "fish burger" (also known as a fish filet from McDonald's) or a fresh donut and her day was made. Her life was quiet and simple, but the one thing she adored most was the company. Especially family.

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Last week, immediate family members gathered by her bedside at St. Anne's Hospital to keep her company one last time, reminiscing about the good old days, from her world-famous creamy mashed potatoes to numerous jars of candy always stocked with spearmint leaves, caramel chews and a cornucopia of sweets. My grandmother always made sure we were fed and had a sandwich on deck or a fresh pot of Kraft Mac and Cheese anytime we visited.

I'm not sure why, but I was obsessed with playing with a box of clothespins she had in her room. While normal kids were outside riding bikes, I found joy in making sculptures and buildings with clothespins. Weird, I'm aware.

It always fascinated me how her birthday was technically only once every four years since she was a leap-year baby. Mathematically, she was only 23 years young before she passed and her mind was just as sharp.

Speaking of birthdays, she never missed one when it came to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Every year, she would send out a card that she would design and get crafty with family photos and magazine cutouts.

She always thought of others, putting us first every time.

As I sit here, thinking back on those hot summer days in Fall River, I can't help but smile. My grandmother's house was always sweltering, but she never complained. As long as her living room fan was on and Days of Our Lives was on the TV, she was content. I loved that about her. She was quiet and her smile was radiant from ear to ear whenever she had a surprise visitor.

The more I think about it, my only regret is not stopping by more often.

Luckily, for the Arsenault family, Mem was impressively savvy on Facebook and it kept her connected with most of us. She loved our vacation photos and always wished us a happy birthday. There was an obsession with online games, but then again, she was retired and bored behind a keyboard and mouse so I don't blame her. She kept up to date with graduations, engagements, weddings and other life happenings. She even used the trendy "LOL" correctly.

How I wish I could travel back in time. I could go on for hours telling you about how amazing this woman was. There wasn't a selfish bone in her body.

If anyone's selfish, it's me, and I'll explain.

This October, I'm getting married and I wanted nothing more than for Mem to be there to watch me marry the love of my life on the happiest day of my life. Although she won't physically be there, I know in my heart she'll be watching from the heavens above and she will be missed.

Before I wrap this up, there's one last memory I'd like to share with you.

For years, as we would say goodbye to her, right before we walked out the door she would simply say, "Alright, drive slow." If you only knew the contradiction of that sentence. Mem had a lead foot and always did. We would joke about it all the time, but the more I think about it, perhaps she wasn't a hypocrite after all.

It took me 35 years to realize that perhaps she was referring to life in general and "taking it slow." Days, weeks, months and even years are melting away, and just like Ferris Bueller once said, "If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.".

It wouldn't surprise me if this was what she meant.

"Drive slow." A message we could all benefit from.

It's tough to say when exactly Mem gave her final "Drive Slow," but it's in me every time I leave the house for the road and this journey we call life.

Rest easy, Memeré. I love you more than words and miss you tremendously. Say hi to Pep for me and let him know that I'm always "watching out for the other guy." He'll know what that means.

Until we meet again, I'll constantly remind myself to "drive slow" just for you and will never stop making you proud.