Because I am Italian and have a huge family going to a wake is nothing out of the ordinary for me. I am not saying that in a bad way, what I am saying is that I am not scared of the idea of a death in the family. Your loved one is no longer suffering anymore and is in a better place. Although they are leaving you here they will always be watching over you to make sure you are okay.
I have been thinking about this lately because my great-grandmother who was 101 years old just passed away this week. Although I am sad that she has left us I can’t help but smile when I think about the amazing life she lived. She was 101 and was healthy and happy. Compared to other people who lived to her age or even people younger than her, her health was superb. The nurses in the hospital thought she was 80 years old, not 101! She lived on her own for 30 years and I applaud her so much for that. Losing a loved one is hard but losing a spouse is like losing a part of you. I never got to meet my great-grandpa but from the stories she shared with me he seemed truly amazing.
When I think about my great-grandmother and all the stories my family shared together last night I can’t help but think about how much I want to live a life like hers. She lived a full life filled with family, friends, laughs, love and so much more. Although my dad’s side of the family is spread out throughout the United States my great-grandmother Pearl brought us all together. She was a staple in our family and just because she is not physically with us doesn’t mean she is still not important to us.
She was a ray of sunshine and her smile was truly contagious. She used to make me laugh for hours on end and I will miss her so much. Thank you, Nanny, for all that you gave to our family. I hope that as I grow up you continue to watch down on my family and smile like you always did. I hope that my life will be filled with love, joy, and happiness just like yours. Rest in peace and may angels lead you in.
