In Memory of Grandma Nicolina

A few days after Grandma's passing I helped my mother in law and Aunt Jackie go through Grandma's old photo albums 

 Grandma Nicolina's dad was really into photography so we had a large amount of photos to sift through.

It took about 8 hours to full go through and scan all the pictures they wanted to use for Grandma's funeral service. I had no idea how amazing these pictures were going to be.

So this young boxer is my husband's Great Grandfather, Jack, Nicolina's father.

Grandma's parents, Germina and Jack. 

Grandma Nicolina as a toddler with her dad Jack. 

This photograph was taken in probably 1934 or 1935.

I can not begin to express how awesome it is to see photos of grandma as a tiny child. I am incredibly jealous! I would love seeing photos of my grandparents as children 

Grandma a bit older with her parents, Jack and Germina. 

I wish I could have see these photos before Grandma's passed, I would have loved talking to her about them.

I definitely can see that it's grandma in that tiny face 💓

 Staying warm in a New England winter!

Grandma in school. 

Grandma was raised Roman Catholic, so this is probably her first communion?

Grandma was 7 when her only other sibling, Jackie, was born

Grandma and Jackie

 As a young adult Grandma Nicolina went by her nickname "Lina"

 Grandma sitting on the front porch of the home she grew up in and would live in till the day she died. 

 Grandma, a friend and her sister Jackie.

Poppa and Grandma's engagement

Poppa and Grandma were married in 1956

Grandma with her children David, Jeffrey and Cheryl Ann.

Grandma and her kids dressed for a wedding. 

I am living for Uncle Dave's fashion in this photo ✌

Also my poor mother-in-law hated her hair do and I don't blame her!

 My in-laws as young love birds 😍 

How adorable is this??!

Justin's parents' wedding day

I love this photo of Grandma and Aunt Jackie 

Grandma with a bunch of the grandkids. My husband is the little guy she is holding! 

Look at my adorable husband and his sister as a little ones!  

Justin and his sister having a tea party with Grandma

I can't get over that adorable face 💓 

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On Valentine's day (the day before she passed) I had my last interaction with Grandma. I said "Hi Grandma! Its Rebecca!" She asked "Justin's Rebecca?" I said yes and she said a happy "Oohh 😄" I gave her a kiss on her forehead and told her I loved her. I held her hand for a moment and she gently squeezed back.

       We had a beautiful service for Grandma. It was truly bittersweet. So many stories, so many tears. 

Our small church building was so full of people paying their last respects, that many had to stand. 

I think one of Grandma's greatest legacies she leaves behind are the memories of her unconditional love. It didn't matter that you were not related by blood to her. If you were around- you became her grand kid

I'm glad Grandma had a full life and made it to 86 regardless of her myriad of health problems. I am sad that she is gone and that future family members won't get to know Grandma.  I can't wait to tell them just how much she loved us all, and how special that was to me 💕

Love, Rebecca

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Grandma Nicolina

Justin's grandma sadly passed on February 15th of this year.

 I will be making a proper post soon in memory of her. 

We knew her time was drawing to a close as of December but it still seemed to arrive so suddenly. She took a bad fall on a Wednesday and was gone by Saturday. 

During the days between her fall and her passing, things were bittersweet. Family trickled in and out of Grandma's home. Quiet moments were had, tears were shed, and an occasional somber giggle at old stories could be heard.

I was able to have a brief conversation with Grandma on Thursday. She was tired but still aware of us that day. We made jokes, held hands and expressed our love for each other.

Family members took turns consoling one another,comforting Poppa, sitting with grandma or sharing thoughts. We were there, waiting, for Grandma's time to end. The feeling of not being able to do anything and having to wait reminded me so much of all the times I've waited to hear of a baby's arrival. I couldn't do anything to speed up the process or alter events. I had to just sit there and wait. We all had to wait.

Death is ugly.

Grandma's face was swollen with blood, her nose had been broken in the fall. She was bleeding from her eyes, her nose and sadly vomiting blood too. One of her eyes was swollen shut and her face was  marked with deep purple. It was sad. Heart breaking. We knew her time was coming but we didn't think it would look like this. We didn't prepare for this.

It was hard. 

As horrible and cruel as death is, it also gives us some beauty. 

In the brief moments of awareness loving words were shared. Grandma was comforting us. 

We knew Grandma wanted to pass at home and surrounded by family. It was beautiful to see her desire fufilled. My husband and I were not there when the time came but Grandma's last words were, "I'm so happy" Some of the family were gathered around singing her favorite hymns to her when Grandma's soul departed. 

Grandma died on February 15th, 2020. It was the 64th anniversary of Grandma and Poppa's first date 

We got the phone call that Grandma was gone. A mix of relief and sadness filled me. Grandma is no longer in pain, but now she is gone. The empty feeling has grown since the day she passed. Those moments remembering that I can't tell grandma that joke, or I can't give her a hug really hurt. It comes and goes. I feel so happy and grateful to have known her one moment, only to be crying later because I can not make any more memories with her.  

Grandma Nicolina

Oct 11, 1933 - Feb 15, 2020

Love, Rebecca

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Welcome 2020

We started off our New Year with friends and pancakes. It was a great way to celebrate.

 Justin's cousin Sam and her husband

Justin's cousin Mike and his girlfriend 

For lunch we joined Justin's family. We always celebrate New Years Day with them 

Grandma was telling jokes  

Justin, Jess and Gerald 

Aunt Stephanie and Grandma 

Mom made spinach raviolis, one of my favorites! 

Poppa enjoying the meal 

After lunch we exchanged gifts 

I love how we do Christmas/ New Years with my in-laws 

Jessica and G gave me my first starter Pokemon plushie! It is so soft!  

 Justin got some hot sauces. One of the sauces is from the Hot Ones Youtube series!

I made a guess with a stylized Spiderman tee shirt for Gerald. I was so excited by his reaction! I'm glad I chose that design. (don't have a photo of it to show, sorry!)

Aunt Stephanie opening gifts 

 Nessa enjoyed the day too!

On to a new year!

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