There is an Italian proverb that says, “If nothing is going well, call your grandmother.” While I’m sure this holds true for many families, not just ones with an Italian background, this is certainly true in my Italian family. A child always has love and support from his/her parents, but there is another level of love and support that only grandparents can provide. Both sets of mine embody this unwritten responsibility with every ounce of their beings.
Throughout my life, you have shown me the importance of love, family, tradition, and kindness all of which I will continue to carry with me.
In a world with so much disaster and hate, you are still my guiding light for love. The way you loved me all my life, unconditionally with no strings attached, has been just what I needed even on the darkest of days. The sky could be full of clouds, but your love would break through and shine bright. But it’s not just the way you have loved me, but the love you have shown to each other. Even with my ungodly obsession with Nicholas Sparks and his romantic novels, you are my inspiration for true love. As a little girl, I remember the way you looked at each other with nothing but admiration. I might not believe in fairytales, but I believe in love because of you. I hope that one day I can find a love like yours of my own to hold onto forever and treasure.
You not only showed love for each other, but the family as well. Every achievement, big or little, you were there in support. Graduations, confirmations, weddings, and more, there was never a moment where family was not at the center of your hearts. However, it is not just in the way you supported your grandchildren, but also how you raised your own children. You guided them to be the people they are today, and in turn the parents they are today. Without you as an example, I would not have the parents I do.
With family, tradition is sure to follow. The best memories in my years have come from the family traditions you started. The seven fish Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, and Easter with one set of grandparents, and the years of Christmas parties with the other are memories I will treasure forever. As I get older and see everyone building their own lives, creating new traditions, I struggle with the idea of change. There are times I wish I could go back to when I was a little girl because I knew that the traditions would still be there the following year just waiting to make new memories. Although I hate to see things change, I will still hold on to those traditions you built and carry them wherever I go next with my life. You planted the roots that I can only grow from.
Just like your love, your kindness has always been unconditional. In your eyes, I could do no wrong. The sleepovers at your house when I was a little girl remind me of that every day. I would feel spoiled with all your attention, amazing cooking, and tasty treats that were included with every visit. I remember you would tell me to eat what I could and that would be enough -- so much better than being forced to finish every bit of my dinner. But that is the job description: spoil your grandchildren any way you see fit. Your kindness didn’t just stop with the family. You impacted so many lives around you with the kindness you have shown to many throughout your years on this earth.
Nina and Poppie, I can still smell the aroma of your house -- the smell that only comes from Nina and Poppie’s house. I can still see the greenhouse, the garden, the kitchen and living room where I spent countless Christmas Eves. I still remember riding in the back of the truck and thinking I want a truck, too -- to this day, I still do.
Grandma, every time I see a butterfly on a sunny day I smile and think of you. You are that butterfly floating by to check in and see what I’m up to. Your endless stories about your adventures with Grandpa and the memories you had with your children will hold a special place in my heart.
Grandpa, the stories of your truck-driving days fascinate me each and every time. I could listen to them for hours on end. I’m sure you miss Grandma just as much, if not more, than the rest of us. Your other half is no longer physically with you, but the love between you keeps you connected.
A few small pieces of me will be missing on my 21st birthday, my college graduation, and especially my wedding day, because all of you won’t be there to celebrate with me. However, just because you won’t be there in person, I know you will be in spirit. Each of you are a part of me (somewhat literally, because of the tattoos I have in your memory), and will forever be in my heart and soul.
I love you.
