He cultivated much more than a flourishing garden or beautiful carpentry. My grandfather made a life for us… one that holds opportunity and a love of family {and food} at the top. A simple blog entry could never sum up the man my grandfather was, but to share his legacy is a way he will continue to live on.
My grandparents left their tiny mountain town of Guardiaregia, Italy for a life in the States after they got married. They knew not one word of English, but found jobs and started our family here. I so admire them for that. They overcame incredible difficulties to set the foundation of what we have today.
Grandpa worked hard. So, so hard. He was a master carpenter, among many other trades he brought with him to America. We smile when we think of how much he loved his grandchildren… probably because he was a big kid and always had fun.
He handed my brother a BB gun when he was nine. He caught a rabbit with his bare hands in his 70s. He ate every part of a pig imaginable and consumed more pasta than I knew possible. He watched Italian television religiously. He cured his own meats, grew his own vegetables, made his own wine. He wore a loooong blonde wig at my wedding reception. He was always the first to greet anyone at the door. He made me pan-i-cakes every time I went over for breakfast. He was the reason I spent a year learning Italian in Italy. His big trick was flipping his eyelids over. And he loved his family with a fierce passion.
Grandpa was a storyteller… through his thick dialect, ZANGITA sound effects, or his mouth full of homemade spaghetti… he was someone you could listen to for hours because of his animation, laughter, and enthusiasm. He lived fully, and I know we’ll all miss his stories.
I was able to take these on the 4th of July in his garden.
As winter settles over his seeds, we can look forward to his work bursting through the ground in summer.
Grandpa had leukemia. Although, no one knew until a month before he passed. He could have lived with it for years, and probably did… but still, he tended his garden, cooked up a storm, enjoyed his espressos, and made every occasion special. All while likely feeling terribly drained inside. That was him… never complaining.
When I heard the news, I packed my bags and headed to NY to be with him. Before I got home, he and my grandmother celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.
My family and I spent every hour of the day with grandpa. I can’t begin to tell you how painful those two weeks were, but I can tell you of the beauty we experienced through it all. Grandpa, once again, brought us all together. My cousins, parents, aunt, uncle, and brother had the chance to love and care for him the way he deserved. With undivided attention, we did everything we could, and I am ever so grateful.
I took these photos the last night he was able to stand. Another blessing.
My brother and grandpa shared an incredible bond. I’m so thankful for him.
He may have gone, but not without leaving a gift and legacy in us.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Gina what a beautiful tribute to your 2011 couples. Each couple is beautiful in their own way and each more beautiful than the next. May I also join you in wishing them the best in 2012, may they continue to grow in their love towards one another and all will be well. XOXOXO