My darling "Stella", (you knew the reason for the nickname, that's all that matters.)
The tears will flow for quite awhile. I still hear your voice in my ear, "Hey ya, where you been?!" We just spoke. I knew how thrilled you were to have our Orthodox Christmas. You always cherished connections back to your favorite...Memories.
I always promised you that I would write down the family stories. I did. You made sure that the memories carried on through the next generations. Oh, how you LOVED our family! (My tears are flowing and I just want to call you.) How we LOVED you back.
When we would lose a parent, you were always there for each & every one of us. I told you that you were the "family COMFORTER." We could be sure that you would wrap yourself around us with your LOVE and ease our sorrow. You did, each and every time. Making us smile, laugh and cherish our loved one. Telling stories of your fun times in the house on Fayette Street. I wish we could've seen the house, one more time. We ALL were your children.
Vacations together will be cherished. You were ready for anything! Especially DANCING. So glad we have those pictures held in time.
I am so thrilled that you are together with our family in heaven. You asked God every night, you told me, "How much longer, I am ready anytime. We've got a lot to catch up on." Well, your wings were finally ready, my Angel. You always told me, "don't forget to go to church and say your prayers. God is always watching and listening."
You believed in this family, our heritage and where it all started. It standed the test of time and heartaches. You knew all the nieces & nephews birth dates. Where you were when we were all born, along with Gr'ma & Gr'pa. Amazing!
You were a shining example of LOVE. Thank you so much for that. Gr'ma, Gr'pa, Aunt Ann,Uncle Al, Uncle John, & Daddy (Uncle Nick) have showered you with kisses upon your arrival. What joy...along with all of your sister/brother in laws, family & friends. What a reunion!
As a family, we should stay close. No matter the distance...just as you did. What a beautiful example you were. I will miss you every day.
Uncle Bill, she LOVED you very much. I know that your heart is broken. She would tell me that she was watching the basketball games, then you would talk about it. How she started "betting" with the gals at the complex, whenever SU played! She could'nt get over how much you resembled Gr'pa, especially wearing your hat, mowing the lawn.
In closing dearest Aunt Mary,
"We're sending a dove to heaven with a parcel on its wings,
Be careful when you open it, its full of beautiful things.
Inside are a million kisses, wrapped up in a million hugs,
To say how much we Miss you and are sending you all our LOVE.
We'll hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives, until we all meet, again."
Our Hearts are full of LOVE and cherished MEMORIES,
Suzie, Nicki & Sammi in Arizona