Thank you, Nani

There are so many things that I wish I could call and tell you all about. Even though I know you are watching over me, there are so many major things that have happened these past 3 years that I wish you could have been here for. Graduating high school, getting accepted to college, telling you about my first internship and the little things in-between. Not a day goes by that I don't miss your laugh (hearing it could make anyone laugh even harder because you know if Nani broke out laughing, it had to have been funny). I miss your hugs. Every time we would come visit or while we were apart, all I would look forward to was giving you a big hug. Instantly, you could feel at home and safe just by hugging her. I miss your smell. Nani DiRocco had a particular scent on her clothing that I have no idea how to explain but that too was always such a familiar scent, I at times long to smell again. There are always many things that I miss constantly about this incredible person. However, I am forever grateful that you left all of us each with different memories of you that will last forever. There are many things I never had the chance to thank you for throughout the amazing years I had with you.

Thank you for always being there for me and the rest of the family. You really were the leader of this crazy bunch. No matter what, you would always be just a phone call away. Thank you for listening to everything that we had to say. If not listening, you were always there, full of all of the advice and stories you could tell. I could have spent hours listening to you talk. Whether it was about the good old days or even about how you would see Frank Costello in your neighborhood in NYC. I learned so many important lessons from you that I will be forever thankful for. You really were the best role model, always glowing with kindness and acceptance to everyone. As the leader of this hectic, loud, New York Italian family, you were always able to somehow slow us all down. Thank you for teaching us how important it is to be kind and that family is forever. As a little girl, you would whisper in to my ear each time we would get ready to leave, "be good to Mommy." Thank you for that. There is so much more I could reminisce, laugh and cry about pertaining to this incredible mother, grandmother and best friend. However, here is my last thank you. Thank you for reminding all of us, that even after you had passed, you are still around and watching over everyone. Whether you have reminded us through our dreams or sending cardinals to us, we see your signs that we very much so love and appreciate.

We all love and miss you more than anything.

Love always,

Lauren