Nonno
My Nonno was the most important man in my life. Since I was little I can remeber the unconditonal love her gave me. Even though the distance was not my favorite it didn't stop us from spreading the love and seeing each other every once and a while. Growing up was a diffucult concept for Nonno to digest, I was his little princess and I will always be his little princess. Every birthday I would get a call from him, sometimes I would get a call a few days before saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS" and he would sing to me in Italian. Some birthdays I think he still thought I was 5 years old and I loved every second of it. He would always call me up and tell me the craziest stories he heard on the news and to not take a ride from anyone I did not know. Half of the time it was kind of scary hearing all these stories, but most of the time I got a laught out of it. His jokes were by far the best, I swear I think he was born telling jokes and he died telling jokes. Most of which were highly inappropriate, but I was told mostly every single joke. I remeber him telling Kate (Hospice Nurse) the monkey who was in outer space, my nonna and I told him to not tell her the joke, but thankfully he cleaned it up a little for her.
The connection I have/had with my Nonno is amazing. I could always count on my Nonno to crack a joke, give me good advice, and always tell me no matter what he will be on my side. The best advice he gave me was life lessons and of course how to deal with guys. He would always tell me, "If some guy does not treat you right, tell them to come see me and I will hit them with a hot pizza".I know he is alwasys watching over me and giving me advise along the way. No matter what I know my Nonno will always be at my side and with me through all the goals I achieve and even my mistakes.
Having the privalage to be with my Nonno while he was at his lowest point was the most rewarding thing I had ever done. A few days ago at school we were asked if we have any accomplishments, I said "Never leaving my grandfathers side as he was dieing, and being strong for my family the entire way". I spent days on end with my Nonno, Auntie, and uncle with little to no sleep. Every small move or sound we heard we bolted to Nonno's bed side. I was constantly checking up on him and trying to put a smile on his face and just talk to him. I knew my best friend was soon going to leave me, but I could not let that consume me. I had to stay strong for him, along with my family. Watching my grandfather die was the most painful thing I have ever gone through, but being by his side and holding his hand until he took his last breath was the most amazing thing. A few hours before he passed he opened his eyes and would not stop staring at me, my Nonna was confused and did not think he saw her. She went into his view and he just kept looking at me. The connection we had at that time was so strong. He was giving me the strength to stay strong. He knew how strong I could be, I almost feel like he transmitted all of his strength to me with that look. I feel like he told me you need to stay strong for the family and really be there for them every step of the way. I know the only reason I was able to stay so strong was because of him and the thought that I really needed to help my family and stay strong.
Not a day goes by where I do not think about my Nonno. Sometimes I just sit down and talk to him. I feel him with me everyday and he is always with me in spirt. He has enabled me to be such a strong person and has made me realize with famiily you have everything. My family means the world to me and is the most important thing to me. Heaven was given the most amazing man in this world and the man that I still love with all my heart. He will never be forgotten and will always be with me.
Love,
Your little princess