Monday, April 20, 2009

James Joseph Ciardella

Losing a loved one is a really weird feeling. Losing my grandpa is the first encounter with real grief and loss that I've experienced. I am so glad that I got to spend time with my family for the funeral and celebrate his life together. I know there will be times when I can't believe he's gone and times when I feel sad. I know that addressing an envelope to my grandma alone will be hard. But, I am so glad he is healthy again and that we got to say goodbye. I went through my photos and found a selection of Nonno with his "little blondie." We are cute.
1985

My first Christmas, 1985My first birthday, 1986Thanksgiving, 1986Christmas Eve, 1986Santa Cruz, CA 1997Flagstaff, 2005 (with the truck he handed down to me)May, 2008May 2008

This is probably my most favorite picture ever. Aren't they gorgeous together? My grandparents have the sweetest, most romantic love story and I got to hear them tell it to me last summer. I've been holding on to it, because I know someday, I'll have my own story to tell.

October 27, 1945

I'll miss you, Nonno. I love you and I thank you for all the memories, lessons, and love you've given me.