Grace

First

No one ever called Grace Nonna. That is really too bad, because she exemplifies the word, a proud parent of children that are just as proud of their own. She would have loved it. She was a proud woman, proud that had been able to attein the skills, proficiency and the Degree that showed the world that you can learn and advance. That degree meant more to her than anything other than her family. A family she adored, a family that is paying it forward just as she did. And I am equally certain that their kids will continue the same "pay it forward" tradition that she started.

Now...

Imagine you are hearing the theme from Alfred Hitchcock. That is the music that Grace and I chose to accompany us on our entrance at our wedding reception. This was going to be a fun wedding, totally non-traditional. The spark to set us off on our new life. I think it worked.

Grace was going through a tough time waiting for surgery. One that would, both give her a second shot at life and ultimately here.

She grabbed hold of that chance and we were off on a long exciting ride. Bud, our Celebrant, has already recounted some stories of her life, so I'll try and stay centered on our time together.

We traveled! First, here to Florida to meet the family and to sight see. Then, through much of the country. Luckily, I have a large family, spread acroos the land...it helps! Always there was the question, could this be the place? But the passion never happened.

Grace had a plan, was passionate about it and she was stubborn. As aa child she had spent many loving hours with her Nonna. That's where she learned how to cook, not to clean. Somewhere during those moments she decided that she needed to visit her homeland...il suo patria, Italia! She looked forward to Firenze (florence) because that was where Nonna came from. Well, as I have heard, "you can't always get what you want"! Still the passion didn't happen.

And then Roma! Bells, whistles ,fireworks, the passion was finally there. When on departure she saw tears in my eyes she knew that we had found home. Everyone thought I was the besttoed one. I planned, she made it happen. No one ever had to ask where are you headed next again.

Why Roma? Culture? History? The ruins? Night life? Food? All of them but most importantly, the people. Early on we founf our hub, our base, perhaps in truth our home. Edda Montanari owns a place (bar) in the Campo dei Fiori...Winebar 36. It, the staff and all the surrounding vendors became our famiglia romano.

Both of us have traveled to Rome with broken legs. She on crutches and me just recently off them. I was and am  a born agein Roman...but she saw it first! If you were to ask us" how many times have you been to Rome"? The answer was, is and always will be one time too few!

One year we went for natale(Christmas), unannounced. Our sudden appearance was greated far past our wildest dreams. Two of our friends had lost their Fathers over the previous year and our visit was looked on as a way to help them through that first holiday season. In Italy the traditions differ, gifts are exchanged on epiphany and Christmas is a quiet family only affair. Lina, one of the widows invited us to spend the day her and her family. We were delighted, honored and humbled.

Grace has always been know for dressing stylishly and perhaps her trademark is a scarf. She has an entire wardrobe of them, many from Lina. Scarves and linens are what Lina and her son Sandro sell. Marina and Fabrizzio, next kiosk sell hats and soccer shirts...so NOT Grace.

I hope someday to return to see all of our dear friends and perhaps, return Grace to the place she and I love with such passion.

The medications that gave Grace her second chance are powerful. They have a lasting and cumulative affect. That is part of why we are here today.

The love of my life is at peace, her indomitable spirit stilled.

She got to see her Grand daughter Britney married, maybe the single most wonderful thing that a fiercely loving and doting Nonna could ever desire. Perhaps the happiest day of her life.

Our last memory of Grace will be of her dressed, lovingly in the outfit she wore so happily that day.

I wish that we could have more time, but sure loved what we did have...I will love and miss you until I join you.