It’s hard to put into words what my grandmother, Dr. Virginia Reynolds, meant to me. Lola means grandmother in Tagalog. It is funny because my friends would call her Lola as well . We spent so many summers together in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and those memories are something I’ll cherish forever. Whether we were talking about the latest news , listening to her endless commentary on life, or just soaking in her presence, she was always a gem—unapologetically herself and full of wisdom.

Lola had this unique way of influencing me, not by telling me what to do, but by simply being who she was. Her curiosity, intellect, and love of learning were constants in my life. She didn’t always give advice in the most traditional way, but her thoughts on just about everything shaped me in ways I didn’t even realize at the time. She would strategically ask a few questions, always exploring ideas, and that kind of influence has stayed with me.

She would comment on everything with this sharp wit and a sparkle in her eye, whether it was a random observation or something profound. I can still hear her voice in my head, offering her thoughts on life, family, and the world around us. She truly was one of a kind, and I’m so grateful to have had so many summers to just be with her, learning without even realizing it.

I miss her deeply already, but I know her spirit will always be with us. She was a gem, and I’ll carry her influence with me every day.