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3:38:00 AM EDT
Feeling Sad
In Memory of a Beautiful Woman
In Memory of a Beautiful Woman
Current mood: 
crushed
Category: Blogging
..We received a call this evening around 10:30pm from the nursing home stating that my nana was having difficulty with breathing and they weren't sure if she would last the night.
About a half hour later we received another call... she had passed on!
As much as I'm relieved that her suffering is over, my heart is still broken in a million pieces. No matter how much you think you're prepared, you never really are.
I was a bit upset with the fact that we had to tell them right then... who we wanted to come and take her. I guess they don't have the facilities to keep someone once they've passed over. I kind of felt that it puts undue pressure on the family to have to deal with that asap, but, that's life, so we did.
After gathering all of her belongings and saying our goodbyes to one of THE most beautiful woman on the planet we came home and began the process of making arrangements. That sounds so strange, like making business decisions, which I guess in a sense, it is.
Now that I've disposed of all of the stuff that I needed to say about the experience, let me talk about the woman herself...
My nana, Pietra (Beatrice) (Sala) Iandoli, was one of the most beautiful, regal, kind, hard working, loving woman that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing in my lifetime.
She took her job as matriarc of the family very seriously. Her family was her life. Nothing... absolutley nothing ever got in the way of her duty to her family.
When I was younger if I happened to mention that I had a falling out with a friend, no matter how minor, nana also held the grudge with me. Matter of fact, at times I had to tell her it was OK, that my friend and I had made up. Otherwise, if she ever saw that person she'd make sure to tell them how hurtfull they'd been or she'd just downright ignore them, LOL. She was a character like that.
Nana worked harder than anyone I know in her life. She often times held two jobs while she raised her two daughters on her own. Way back when, it was extremely difficult to get a husband, or should I say EX-husband, to pay child support. The law just didn't acknowledge woman as people who counted and had rights. So she worked very hard to keep a roof over her families head.
No matter the time she got home, which was often 11:00 or 12:00 at nite, her house was spotless and all of her clothes were ironed an ready for the next day. Not a dish was ever left in the sink, no matter what. That was her, always everything in it's place.
As a child I remember waiting patiently and with great anticipation for my nana to come over the house. Laying in my bed, counting the minutes, knowing that as soon as she got there she'd come right in to my bedroom to talk.
She'd sit on the end of my bed, often bringing me a little something, and ask me about my day.
I loved going over her house and sleeping over. I remember a little place she had in Somerville. I think it was an attic apartment, but to me it was the coziest, most heart warming place to be. It wouldn't have mattered if she lived in a box. As long as she was there, it was a wonderful place to be. I have fond memories of sitting out on the porch watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July with her and my papa. Wonderful memories.
Even as I got older, I would often times spend a Friday or Saturday evening with the both of them. Playing cards or just watching TV. In the morning we'd go out for breakfast and then be out for the day, often driving to a horse show or a fair somewhere, whether it be Connecticut or Rhode Island or where ever. Didn't matter, because I was with my nana.
If I needed to get away from my house, I could count on nana letting me hang with her. And she'd sew the most beautiful clothes for me, teaching me all she knew about sewing. She spent years as a seamstress, so sewing with her was wonderful. She helped my sister and I make our square dancing skirts, LOL. Lots of material went in to those skirts and blouses. I learned how to make a dirndle skirt (with elastic) to pulling the double threads gently in order to make ruffles. She even helped me sew a beautiful full length cape, which I still have to this day.
Neither her or my grandfather ever had a lot of money, and yet they were the richest of people. They both had hearts bigger than life and would do anything for family, as it was precious to them both.
Now my nana can finally join the man that she loved and missed so much when he passed away many years before her. She'll also join her mother and father and both of her brothers. All of which she spoke about constantly, especially in her later years.
My nana had 91 wonderful years on this planet. She raised a beautiful family of two daughters who then married and added six grandchildren to the mix and then six great grandchildren. Not bad for a life's work
Later this week I'll post some of her pictures as a young woman. As much as my nana didn't think very highly of herself, her pictures tell a completely different story. She looked like a movie star, as her pictures will show. And in her heart she was more than a star, she was a Universe of Stars.
Nana, you will be missed dearly. All of us are better people for having had you in our lives. Without your careing heart and wonderful soul, we wouldn't be half what we are today. You instilled in all of us a sense of family love that will never diminish. All of your children, grand children and great grand children are the legacy that you leave behind. Be proud nana... you did a wonderful job. And you will always be remembered for being your most beautiful, warm, loving, careing self.
Thank you Nana. You will be missed.
till the next time.........
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So sorry to hear about your nana. Your description paints such a wonderful woman. I am sure she is watching over you almost bursting with pride at the beautiful and most eloquent tribute to a person I have read In a very long time. You are In my thoughts and prayers. Love Pam xx
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my deepest sympathies your nana was an exceptional person take care mort x
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Kathy sent me over--but I am so glad she did. Your great love for your nana is so very visible in your wonderful tribute to your NaNa. What a lucky girl you were to have such a wonderful person in your life. She sounds like a great woman, but am glad you all learned from the example she set. She truly has a very rich legacy. Be thankful for each of the years you were able to spend with her. There will be a void in your life--but remember she will still be watching over you. LaVern
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Wishing you some peace in this tough time. Kathy (One Summer's Day) told me about your loss. Take care of yourself please.
Russ
5/26/08 1:55 PM
I hope you're doing well and that your family has found some comfort now. Take care and talk to you soon, love ya