Yesterday, I lost my last remaining grandparent. I had visited her with the baby last week and she woke up to play, laugh, clap and kiss him - what a treasure that memory will be. I have a photo of this somewhere, but cannot for the life of me find it!
My Grandma is on the right in this vintage 1950's photo.
Grandma Rinaldi was going to be 89 this May (2011). All my grandparents had unique and strong personalities. While I certainly could (and have) written memoirs to each of my grandparents, here are some of my fond thoughts about my Grandma Rinaldi...
She was an immigrant from Italy, of some pretty tough stock. I am amazed at how she and her family came to America with basically nothing, and succeeded at "The American Dream."
She had a green thumb only matched by my grandfather, I think! She could raise a plant from the dead (so could my Grandpa Rinaldi!).
Rabbits and woodchucks lived in fear of her shadow - she put the "Guard" in Garden!
Her pasta sauce was my favorite. I still don't know how she made it taste "just so."
She made fried dough and angel wings like nobody's business.
She could crochet a doily. Or a tablecloth. Or a little doll or angel that she would fashion with sugar water.
She knew how to work, that lady did! And by golly, if YOU weren't working your fingers to the bone alongside her, then watch out!
Her stories of how she met my grandfather, and other tales from Italy, Canada and eventually the US could either make you cry or laugh!
She always brought donuts when she came to visit us as kids.
Christmas at her house was a magical, spectacular affair with an artificial tree drooping with silver tinsel, about a million dinner courses, and the ever-present smell of anchoivy pasta hanging over all.
The main thing I remember about her is how she always wanted her family to be their best, live morally, and succeed. I remember the glowing smiles on her face every time I told her, "Grandma, I graduated...I got a job...I'm getting married..." She took such pride in seeing her family do well.
She was fiesty, admirable, and a loving grandma. I could go on... she was well-loved. She will be missed.
How do you say goodbye to a loved one? What are ways you keep their memories in your hearts for yourself and your children?
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.You were very blessed to have had such a wonderful grandmother. When I read about your Grandma Rinaldi, it was like reading about our Grandma Rose who was also our last grandparent. She was my husband's paternal grandmother who passed away years ago at age 93. She too was from Italy; she was born in Sicily. I'm forever reminded of her when I do everyday things from making the pasta sauce the way she taught me, to covering my 5 year old granddaughter with the beautifully crocheted blanket that Grandma Rose had made many years ago for my daughter when she was Grandma Rose's little granddaughter about to go into her "big girl" twin bed. For Easter I'll be making Grandma's ricotta cheese cake, honey balls, and "S" shaped (for the family's last name) butter cookies that she lovingly made for all of us. At her funeral many years ago, I said goodbye but she is with me always in my heart and thoughts. We talk of her often and laugh over happy memories of her. She is such a big part of who we are. After reading how you described your grandmother, I'm sure your Grandma Rinaldi will always be there for you too.
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.You were very blessed to have had such a wonderful grandmother. When I read about your Grandma Rinaldi, it was like reading about our Grandma Rose who was also our last grandparent. She was my husband's paternal grandmother who passed away years ago at age 93. She too was from Italy; she was born in Sicily. I'm forever reminded of her when I do everyday things from making the pasta sauce the way she taught me, to covering my 5 year old granddaughter with the beautifully crocheted blanket that Grandma Rose had made many years ago for my daughter when she was Grandma Rose's little granddaughter about to go into her "big girl" twin bed. For Easter I'll be making Grandma's ricotta cheese cake, honey balls, and "S" shaped (for the family's last name) butter cookies that she lovingly made for all of us. At her funeral many years ago, I said goodbye but she is with me always in my heart and thoughts. We talk of her often and laugh over happy memories of her. She is such a big part of who we are. After reading how you described your grandmother, I'm sure your Grandma Rinaldi will always be there for you too.
I never got to meet one of my grandmothers (I was told I look a lot like her). She died shortly before I was born. I now only have one grandfather and grandmother. I'm so grateful to have them while they are here, and their stories are so interesting! I used to love to hear stories of my grandfather in World War II and how he sped through enemy lines in a jeep to bring a wounded soldier to safety. Pretty cool stuff, and so sad when they're gone...
Thanks for your comment on my blog 🙂
I never got to meet one of my grandmothers (I was told I look a lot like her). She died shortly before I was born. I now only have one grandfather and grandmother. I'm so grateful to have them while they are here, and their stories are so interesting! I used to love to hear stories of my grandfather in World War II and how he sped through enemy lines in a jeep to bring a wounded soldier to safety. Pretty cool stuff, and so sad when they're gone...
Thanks for your comment on my blog 🙂
I am so sorry for you loss. She sounds like an amazing lady who's spirit will live on in the family she loved so much.
I am so sorry for you loss. She sounds like an amazing lady who's spirit will live on in the family she loved so much.
My thought are with you and your family Julie. No matter your age or who it is its always hard. All of my grandparents passed away before I had children or was married and both my grandfathers before I was born. I was blessed to have my mothers mom be the shining light in my heart. The memories of her are the most precious. There is a park she took me to all the time as a kid and I have it on my life list to go back there and take a picture with my son playing there! Our kids are the best memorial to our grandparents we can have!
My thought are with you and your family Julie. No matter your age or who it is its always hard. All of my grandparents passed away before I had children or was married and both my grandfathers before I was born. I was blessed to have my mothers mom be the shining light in my heart. The memories of her are the most precious. There is a park she took me to all the time as a kid and I have it on my life list to go back there and take a picture with my son playing there! Our kids are the best memorial to our grandparents we can have!
This really hits home right now! I lost my first grandparent recently and my other side grandparents are just hanging on, grandma is 100 and grandpa is 97. Due to finances I haven't seen them in years amd actually they have never met my husband or kids 🙁
This really hits home right now! I lost my first grandparent recently and my other side grandparents are just hanging on, grandma is 100 and grandpa is 97. Due to finances I haven't seen them in years amd actually they have never met my husband or kids 🙁
I actually feel like I don't ever really sad good bye. I feel their closeness with me, some times more than others. Different of course, because the conversations are a bit one-sided. But I'd like to think they are watching over the me and the rest of their loved ones.
I actually feel like I don't ever really sad good bye. I feel their closeness with me, some times more than others. Different of course, because the conversations are a bit one-sided. But I'd like to think they are watching over the me and the rest of their loved ones.
What a great woman and some fun memories. I am so sorry for your loss.
What a great woman and some fun memories. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss. She sounds like a great lady. Glad you have lots of happy memories.
Sorry for your loss. She sounds like a great lady. Glad you have lots of happy memories.
I'm so sorry for your loss. My maternal Grandmother died long before my kids were around, and I think of her all the time. Every time I make peanut butter sandwiches (she showed me how to spread). And I tell my daughter about her all the time. That's really helped me keep her in my memory, plus, it warms my heart SO much when my daughter tells me a story about my Grandma.
I'm so sorry for your loss. My maternal Grandmother died long before my kids were around, and I think of her all the time. Every time I make peanut butter sandwiches (she showed me how to spread). And I tell my daughter about her all the time. That's really helped me keep her in my memory, plus, it warms my heart SO much when my daughter tells me a story about my Grandma.
Do you know what my brother sent me for my birthday last week? It was a few old home videos from when I was probably 12ish. It was Christmas Eve which was a HUGE deal for my grandma and I just cried. Not because it was nice seeing my brothers and parents so young but because my grandparents were all there and it was soooooooooooooooooo nice to see them again. Gosh, you got me crying again 🙂
Do you know what my brother sent me for my birthday last week? It was a few old home videos from when I was probably 12ish. It was Christmas Eve which was a HUGE deal for my grandma and I just cried. Not because it was nice seeing my brothers and parents so young but because my grandparents were all there and it was soooooooooooooooooo nice to see them again. Gosh, you got me crying again 🙂
You always do such a nice job writing. I feel like I have a million things on my mind and never know where to start or what to say in just the right way, and then I just think it all sounds so stupid.
I guess that's why you're the writer! 🙂
Love you!!
You always do such a nice job writing. I feel like I have a million things on my mind and never know where to start or what to say in just the right way, and then I just think it all sounds so stupid.
I guess that's why you're the writer! 🙂
Love you!!