I Love You, Papa

What an emotional few days.  I am truly exhausted. And while the circumstances of my return to upstate NY were not good, it was SO nice to spend some quality time with my entire extended family.  My dad is 1 of 6 kids so I grew up with a BIG, absolutely wonderful family. This has been the first time in years that everyone (except Papa of course) was gathered in one place at one time. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, loving family with which to have gone through this kind of grief.

That’s the silver lining, isn’t it? Losing someone close to you reminds you to appreciate the people you have in your life… especially family. I am so grateful for everyone that Nana and Papa have brought into my life. I feel so lucky that I have been surrounded by so many incredible people and so much unconditional love. And I am so glad that my Papa was surrounded by people he loved (and certainly loved him) in life and in death.

Rest in peace, Papa, and Happy Birthday. There is a hole in my heart that will never be filled.

P.S. I tried to order French Toast for dinner at the reception in your honor but the Glenville Queen made me get a Turkey Club. :)