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?
Terri S.
Sunday 13th of March 2011
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.
Terri S.
Sunday 13th of March 2011
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.
Renee
Friday 11th of March 2011
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 :)
Renee
Friday 11th of March 2011
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 :)
Tiffany
Wednesday 9th of March 2011
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.