This week I am sad, and heartbroken. My beloved grandfather died on Monday. I have spent the week back and forth between crying and sharing beautiful memories about him with my husband. Chris listened as I talked and held me as I cried. I am a lucky girl in many ways, and thank God for his blessing.
Dear Grandpa Bozzo,
You are one of the most amazing men I have ever been blessed to know. As a child you were larger than life to me and your home was a place I always wanted to go. You would answer the door, grab my hand and twirl me around as if we were on a ballroom dance floor. I knew there would be treats that you got specifically for me, molasses cookies from Quality Dairy because you knew that I loved them. You put up with us always wanting to make chocolate malts, and ate your fair share as a good sport. On overnight stays, I knew there would be popcorn as a late night treat. As a surprise, I remember the time you bought multi-colored popcorn because you knew it would be a fun treat for your grandkids. Every time we spent the night, you let us make pancakes with Grandma and ate them each time.
When I wanted to play the flute, you got me a flute and picked me up every other Tuesday to take me to your home for a lesson with a neighbor who you knew could teach me. You put up with the beginning lessons when I probably wasn't very good, and the noise that came along with that. I enjoyed that I was the only guest to those dinners. It was my special time to enjoy my grandparents company and love all by myself. When I had a hard time in life I knew that your house was a safe haven that would protect me from any and all storms. During my sophomore year in high school I got to stay with you over my whole spring break. We would have good talks every morning as you drove me to school, and when you picked me up. Sometimes we would drop Grandma off at the hospital on our way.
In 1997 we lost Grandma 13 days before I married the love of my life. You were so strong you still came to my wedding. I know it was so hard and hurt you, but you loved me so much you put that aside and came to be there on my very important day. You told me you loved me and wished you could dance with me, but it was too soon. I will always treasure all of the dancing we did when I was young, and the fact that you came to my wedding that day, as sad as you must have been. You accepted Chris with all of your heart, and he enjoyed the talks you would have. He enjoyed getting to know you and thinks so much of you.
In 2000 I had my first child, a beautiful son Allan. You loved him right away. I have pictures of you holding him and the love in your eyes is obvious to anyone looking.
In 2003 Cara joined our family and has the distinction of having Ann-Marie as her middle name after our beloved Grandma, and your beloved wife. You had another great-grandchild to love, and you really did.
In 2006 my small family moved away to Arizona. Distance did nothing but make me love you more. I always thought of you, asked Dad about you, and made sure to see you the few times I was able to make it home. In November of 2008, we had a wonderful dinner at Olive Garden and I treasure that last picture that I had taken of us together. You look so happy and the smile on my face couldn't have been bigger.
For the rest of my life I will be thankful every day that I was blessed enough to have you as long as I did. Of course I wanted you longer and was looking forward to seeing you in July. I am sad that won't happen, but I know you are happy to be reunited with Grandma in heaven.
One thing many people don't know is that you and Grandma gave me the nickname Andi. Ever since I was little you both have called me that. Before it was something my friends thought was cute, it belonged to you. Thank you for loving me and showing me in so many ways for my whole life. I pray that I am able to show others my love for them as you always did for me.
I will miss you and love you forever Grandpa Bozzo
Andi
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