I have many special memories and feelings about Murph. I would say that my experiences of Murph collected all in the "second half" of his life. He arrived on the scene in my family when I was very young, close to 7 years old, when he started dating my grandma Sonia. I don't have a lot of memories of my grandma's life before Murph was part of it. So, to my eyes, they were always a unit and together. We called them "M&M." I am grateful for Murph's presence in all of our lives. He made my grandma very happy for many years. They were at every important function, unless they were traveling. Their presence felt large, in the moment, and important to my family experience. He very much felt like my real grandpa. I loved them both very much. There were many parties, with loud laughter and fun times, like volleyball, card games and board games. To this day, I remember how Murph would yell out "How sweet it is!" every time he would take out my marble after a lucky roll of the dice in a board game, or if he got a lucky hand in a card game. I thought that was so funny, and secretly loved it, even though I was losing in the moment. He made games fun, with a special competitive spirit, that somehow maintained a sense of comradery. I tried to emulate this with my own kids when we play games, but it's just not the same! That was unique to Murph and his own special sparkle.
That sparkle was also in his unique laugh. It was pleasant, and usually paired together with my grandma's laugh, at the same time. Together, they always made parties fun and special. I loved how they appreciated each other. He loved her cooking, and every time I make my grandma's seafood lasagna, I'm hoping to wow my own husband.
Other fun memories...
When they went to Jamaica I called their house, but they were gone. Murph's funny voice mail came on explaining how they were "in Jamaica, Mon" in his best Jamaican impersonation.
When Murph and my grandma came in my room dancing and rapping to the music I had blaring on one occasion during my teenage years.
When Murph and Justin were Break Dancing in the kitchen during Christmas.
Seeing Murph and my grandma dancing at my wedding. I have a picture of it, but it does not convey the moment compared to the one in my mind's eye.
The way he took care of my grandma after she got sick. We will all be forever grateful. His presence really meant something to me, and I will celebrate the memory of his life forever.
