for stef

stef lost her dear nonna last evening after a long battle with alzheimer's. stef had to be closer than most people i have ever known to her grandmother. nonna helped raise stef and was there every step of stef's life. she was there to hold stef, hug stef and give her words of wisdom and encouragement along each and every stage in stef's life.

i am actually envious of the relationship stef had with her nonna. i was especially close to one of my grandmother's growing up, yet nothing to the extent that stef has described.

stef is a wonderful young woman with insight and tenderness and wisdom well beyond her tender young age of 20. i'm sure some of it is just her nature but a lot of that must be due to the influence and close relationship she had with her nonna.

i know the days, weeks, months and even years ahead will be tough for you stef to face without your nonna physically there. but nonna will always be with you in your heart stef. you will always have those precious memories and lessons that nonna taught you to pass on to your children and grandchildren some day.

you see stef, nonna is not really gone. she lives within you and your beautiful soul. as nonna taught you, hold your head up high and do not be afraid. your nonna is with you with every step you take and every breath you breathe. she is so proud of you and loves you as much as you love her.

may God hold you close as you grieve for your nonna. thank you for sharing your nonna with me and teaching all of us the meaning of unconditional love.