289-4767

Hi Dree,

Today, we celebrated Grandma Char's retirement.  She worked at Osco Drug for 47 years.  I remember about 3 years ago when we stopped by her work, and we tried to surprise her by coming up a side aisle and sneaking up on her in the pharmacy.  We didn't surprise her because your yelp of excitement gave you away.

We did the same thing today, but instead, Hannah made it all the way up the stairs into the break room to surprise grandma.

You should have been there.

Grandma has worked at Osco Drug since 1978.  She worked there since before she even knew Pop Pop.  She worked there since she graduated from college.  Grandma Char has the greatest work ethic of anybody I have ever known.  She has been a rock for Aunt Megan and I.  She taught us to work hard and to support your family. She is the model of consistency, and has been for our family.   You liked her for other reasons.  She was fun, she always wanted to play with you.

As Hannah explored the green work room that has been Grandma's office for the past 37 years, she said "this place is old. Why does the speaker sound like that?"  She was pointing out the muffled intercom that had delivered messages to Osco Jewel employees since November 4, 1988 (Aunt Megan's first birthday also happened to be the day the once futuristic grocery store opened).  I remember it as a new hip grocery store that served Fro-Yo unlike the old Jewel Osco on Bloomingdale Road.  Starting in first grade in 1989, I would walk home (literally a block and a half away from our house) and call 289-4767 to let my mom know I made it home alright). In 1996, it switched from area code 708 to 630.  I had to have called her over 500 times over elementary, middle, and Jr. High School to let her know that I (and Megan) were alright.  At that time, it was a direct line to the pharmacy, and either my mom or another Osco Drug employee picked up.  I would ask for Charlene.

That number is one of only three numbers I remember from my childhood.  My dad's cell phone and my grandpa and grandma's phone number were the only other two.  I remember the last time I dialed it.  August 7th, 2023.  I wasn't calling to let her know that I had gotten home from school and that I was alright.  I called her to let her know you weren't alright.  A pharmacy employee didn't pick up, and there was now a switchboard.  Suddenly when I needed consistency the most, it had changed.  I remember briefly talking to her and then seeing her at your side at what seemed minutes later.

Audrey, you loved Grandma Char so much, and you would have loved bringing her flowers and balloons.  You should have been there today.  

After we picked up Grandma Char from Osco (The Danimal picks her up every day after work), we went and ate tortilla chips at a Mexican restaurant.  You really should have been there.  We thought about you (and your absence alot).  There are so many days that you should be here.

Hannah went to town on the tortilla chips like you.

Dree, it sucks that you weren't here today and that you aren't here for so many things you should be.  We celebrate Grandma Char today, because she has been so consistent.  Not just for work, but for us as a family.  The last 23 months and 20 days have sucked.  But we have been there for eachother, and Grandma Char has always been here for us. 

Congratulations on your retirement, Grandma Char.  You really deserve the world.

Hannah wrote a really nice card from us.  She said in the card that Poochie is doing well and you are taking care of Poochie.

Woo, Dada