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Creating a Legacy of Love
Just last week, my father-in-law passed away. He was 91. Spry and
sharp until the very end, we had just celebrated my son’s 30th
birthday with a family brunch. He feasted on bacon, eggs and pancakes
and entertained us with stories of his youthful adventures we had
all heard dozens of times. Several days later he had what some would
call a “good death.” He passed away at home, quickly
and suddenly, surrounded by his family.
But what is most memorable about “Nonno” (Italian for
grandfather) was not what occurred in his last few days, but how
he lived the whole of his life. If you were to ask him his three
most important things, he would say, “family, family, family.” And
it was from that conviction that he lived. His emotions, his thoughts
and his actions all lined up to create a loving family of which he
was the heart and soul.
Nonno had a great ability to laugh…at his own stories, at
what he saw around him, and most important at himself. With a deep
baritone voice laced with an Italian accent, he could be deeply passionate
and protective of those he loved. He had a habit of enumerating over
and over even the smallest things he savored in his life, and never
seemed to stop appreciating those around him. Nonno was truly an
original, an inspiration and blessing to us all. More than anything,
we will miss him.
When I see the positive impact his life made on those around him,
family and friends alike, I know that his legacy of love will live
on long after his passing. And when all else ends, it is love that
is the only thing that lives on.
Until next time…
Be well!
Marina
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