Grandpa, it’s hard to summarize a memory that genuinely honors you and your selfless sacrifices for our family. In a world of noise, you always stayed true to who you were, never wavering. I am so grateful for the time we spent together, and if I could go back and add more, I certainly would.
Our family was incredibly fortunate to share so many stages of life with you. Some of my earliest memories take me back to the house you and Grandma had on White Rose Lane. I remember spending time in the formal living room with all the fancy furniture, surely Grandma’s doing. Christmases there were special, but my favorite times were those Texas summers. I always enjoyed swimming and playing for hours, eating some of that rolled Italian sausage from the grill, and watching you slowly drink and savor those Miller Lites.
I remember Easter egg hunts at that same house and the professional pictures Grandma’s friend insisted on taking. What felt like a pain at the time still feels the same 30 years later. And then there was our trip to New York, riding around with Uncle Angelo in some Cutlass or maybe a Cadillac where I sat right in the middle up front. As we entered the city, “youze guys” pointed out the smoke in the distance, something I had never seen before. No wonder you decided to move to Texas.
I remember the many years I spent attending the State Fair of Texas and eating the most amazing nachos I’ve ever had. Somehow, you knew the owners of Hast Texas Nachos, and I was so proud that you knew them.
Grandpa, I could go on about our shared memories, but I’ll leave that for another time. I love you and am so grateful you were my Grandpa and Pop Pop to Kylie, Dylan, and Kenzie.