I would first like to start out by saying,"THANK YOU,ONE AND ALL".
These past 23 years have been a remarkable ride,and I enjoyed every minute of it.But I want to thank you for the love,flowers,cards,and wine,but more importantly for the kind words and wishes you have given me.I am truly blessed to be able to have met so many wonderful people through the years. I have made lasting friendships,and memories that would not of been possible if not for this special little store.Grand Slam was just not only a place to get your latest movie,but a place to stop and talk,and share a story or two.We have shared stories,recipes,talked current events,and talked what was going on in our lives.At some stores,you are a name and number,but at Grand Slam,you were my family and always glad to see you walk through the door with a smile and whatever story you wanted to share.Over the years I have asked some to leave and not return,or just revoked their membership,because I felt their attitude,and comments didn't belong.I felt it was my job to protect who came and went here.It was a honor to have your loyalty to me,so I always wanted my customers to feel safe and not intimidated.You all know I am a small,but spunky and I speak my mind,but you ALWAYS knew I had your best interest at heart.Grand Slam lasted for so many years,because of you,you made my job easy.I loved what I did,and the interacting with each and everyone of you.No other store does,or WILL EVER have the same interactions I had with you. First, they probably would be sued,and second, mine came from the heart,and at other businesses you are a just a name and number.
Over the past 23 years,many things have occurred,deaths,marriages,breakups,births,or just plain life.Grand Slams journey began in November of 1987.The first year,we were across the street,Victor was my landlord,but more than that,he was a wonderful soul who always made me smile.I knew Victor since I was a young little tot on Racine/Grand.Whenever I needed to cross the big ole Grand Ave,Victor would hold my hand,and cross me. As I grew into an adult,Victor was the same great soul,and typical old school Italian.Sadly,he is no longer with us,but he left behind a wonderful family I love dearly. Antonella and Tina your Dad was a great man,and his goodness shines through you.
Lena,Ashley,Nicole,Jazzy,and Adriana,I like to think of them as "Tootsie's Angels".When I look at each of these five young girls,I see a young me. They are honest,smart,have guts,stand up for they believe is right,don't pick fights,but WON"T run from one either.They get these characteristics from their parents,who I have known for many many years,who are also loyal and honest.I will miss my talks with them,or even my yelling at them.They knew I only wanted the best for them,and also had the permission to give a swift kick if necessary. Thankfully it never came to that. Girls,you know I am never to far away if you need me.
Over the years I have told stories of the neighborhood that once was. Some seem to think because homes now cost $300,000- to a million,that it is a better place to live. I say sorry,homes don't make neighborhood,people do.Don't get me wrong there are some great people here,like Cassie who owns the Green Grocer. She had a dream,and we were lucky enough for her to open her store in our magical neighborhood.You can not only get the best produce there is,but the way she treats each and everyone of us that walks through her door,you are not a customer,but a friend.That is the same kind of friendliness we were all raised with in the old neighborhood.I also like to tell you about Alex,who has Alfie and Honey,who we all love and adore,and is married to Pete.You see,Alex tries to come off rough and tough,but in reality she has a heart of gold,and always willing to lend a helping hand. Alex is the one who when the big snow fall comes,she is shoveling in front of old man Rocco's house,not because she was asked too,but because she thought it was the right thing to do.At holiday times, she always inquires about a family she can help with food or whatever.This is just a couple of examples of some of the great people who have moved into our hood.We are lucky to have them.But there are still wonderful people here,who were raised here,one in particular,that is Anabell. Anabell we all know is a sweetheart,but more importantly a great friend.I have known Anabell since she was a teenager,but became close friends when we both were helping out at Santa Maria. Anabell is someone who is always willing to lend a helping hand,and never asking for anything in return.She has always been there when I needed her most,in particular one day in November of 2008.Comanche my beautiful Siberian Husky got sick all of a sudden,and then took a turn for the worst.It was her and Aurellio, who I occasionally tease,but I love him dearly,who took Comanche to the vet,and stayed with him as he went to the Rainbow Bridge in the sky.She did this because I could not bare it.Friends like that are not only rare,but a gift,I don't only feel lucky to call her friend,but a great friend indeed.They have a son Daniel,who is my God-Child,and I only want the best for him,but I am sure he is relieved some what that the store is closing,because dusting movies as a punishment never went well with him.
As this chapter of my life ends,and another begins,I like to give a big I LOVE YOU,to ALL "the old neighborhood friends". I have said it once,I will say it again,there are no better people than the people from Grand Avenue.We were a family within a family.Our families gave us the greatest gift,they gave us Grand Avenue,and with that we got one another.It is a special bond,yet so hard to explain to people from the outside.That said,friends from long ago have stopped by to share memories,say hellos and goodbyes,and watch another milestone pass us by.Before Grand Slam,this was the Bamboo Hut,two stores that brought great joy to the neighborhood .It was the neighborhood who made the Bamboo Hut and Grand Slam a success.
So at this time,I once again want to THANK YOU for your patronage for the past 23 years of business,but more importantly I want to thank you for your friendship. I am honored to have met each and everyone of you.
May God Bless you and your family today and everyday.
Tootsie
