My grandfather made the C... on the screen....
It is inevitable that you will be around to witness the death of at least one of your grandparents, and while it is sad that they are gone, you should take pride in knowing they probably led a full and wonderful life.
This is true in the case of my paternal grandmother- my Nana Helen, knowing my grandmother no matter if you were family, an old co-worker, neighbor or church friend.. you would have said spending time with her was a pleasurable and rewarding experience.
When I was little an envelope would arrive in the mailbox addressed specifically to me the child.. My anticipation.. in opening it to hear from my Nana was always hard to contain. I always remember the title... Little Miss. LisaRenee and later she mailed mail to my son.. Master A....
Her is a letter she wrote to me when I lived with my Maternal grandmother..( Fafa-as she was called back then)
I have spent the last few days... deciding what to write about Nana and gathering pictures...It was sad for me to learn.. I did not have one picture of my grandparents at Christmas.. which is a bit ironic, because I spent almost every Thanksgiving, countless Christmas Eve's and many birthdays with them from the time I was little till I was married.
I read something someone wrote to my grandfather about my Nana Helen in a sympathy card .. and they wrote ,"she had such a great chuckle"...
People say Laughter is the gift of all gifts ... and she had that gift.
This picture is when they were dating....
When my grandparents had their 55th wedding anniversary
I made them a cake shaped like the numbers .. ( carrot cake)
Nana was part of our children's lives too...
My Nana was a inveterate novel reader and I remember her having a different book with bookmarks in several different rooms.. and when I asked her,"How do you remember all the characters when you read so many at once..?" she simply replied.. "It's easy." She loved a good mystery.
When I think of my Nana I think of her meticulously dressed with clip on earrings and matching necklace, her ring... and her silver hair neatly done and nails painted.
Here it is for you to read:
Ma Helen,
My aunt, my godmother-special and kind,
Living afar-but always on my mind.
The talks we had-whether near or far,
The trips up the Taconic in the car.
You always had a sincere and ind word,
Things that stick with you- didn't go unheard.
I remember how you laughed with your deep-dimpled smile,
You brought such happiness- your matter-of-fact style.
To the people that I speak,
of the money ways you were unique.
Larger that life,bright, happy- and never weak.
Always positive- even when times were bleak.
Devilish bright-eyed girl- oh the havoc you will wreak!
I hope you know how much you were loved,
As you overlook us from the heavens far above.
We are not together, nor are we apart,
There will always be a place for you in my heart.
Love you, Ma Helen..... Kevin
In high school my 12th grade teacher sent home a interview sheet... for me to interview my grandparent. I chose Nana.
She was 63 when I interviewed her and was retired. Here is the interview...
who had the most influence on your life?
The person who was had the most influence on my life, was my mother. She was a beautiful person. She taught me personal hygiene and love and what it means to be a family. Our house was full of friends and relatives and mom with a serene smile and a warm heart. My mom had a helping hand for everyone. I felt she left me quite a heritage.
What are the fondest memories of your childhood?
The Bronx of yesteryear when all was green and while shuttered house and apartments wall in one piece. Our picnics at Glen Island, our all day rental of a taxi, we would travel up the Taconic for a Sunday drive. Our trips to the Bronx Zoo with my parents. The holiday get together at holiday time, with my dear cousins most of whom have passed away.
The old traditional cookies and breads we used to make- Mom always had us help even me the youngest of the brood.
What type of school did you attend?
I attended a public school. There were many ethnic children.
What recreation was most popular during your childhood?
As children we played Double Dutch jump rope- We played hop scotch. We rollerskated in the playgrounds, Did a lof of swinging in the school yards-- Chinese checkers, spin the bottle and Truth or consequence.
What did your children enjoy most as family activities?
We used to love to go to Anthony Wayne on picnics - Have family BBQ- Vacation trips to California to visit my Mom and Dad ..trips all the way up to the North Pole... Frontier Town.... Playing lotto
In what ways are your grandchildren like you?
I think they have captured my feelings for loved ones and care for life with its beauty. They enjoy our get togethers. THey love good food and music. I'm sorry to say I think they also have my stubborn streak and a a small bit of a temper when pushed.
What values or traditions have been passed down from you to your grandchildren?
I have tried to pass on all the Italian traditions- Our holiday foods- our Christmas ways of spending the Eve as one big happy family- Our Easter Egg hunt calling each other up after to see how we are-
What was the most difficult task you had as a parent?
It was the time my husband was in the service and I had to be both Mom and Dad..for a few years.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a parent?
Having been lucky enough to be around to see my son's become successful buisness men in the field of their choice.
What is the best legacy (something coming from an ancestor) you think you can leave your grandchildren?
My dad who is now 93 years young- always taught us to be true to ourselves to treat others as you would want them to treat you so you can live with dignity and love.
C'è una di una risata gentile che ho piaciuto sempre, guarda fuori da dell'occhio primo con un luccichio allegro, poi striscia giù... come una farfalla e come le luci sulla faccia intera come un fiore su una rosa.
BYE FOR NOW NANA...
2 comments:
This made me cry. What a beautiful tribute to your Nana. I know she is looking down and smiling. God bless you!
Blessings, Joanne
Post a Comment