Saturday, January 6, 2018
Natalie…where do I start?! The memories you have made while on this earth are nothing short of a miracle. Never have we seen anyone with so much zest for life, so much love in her heart, and so much food on a holiday table! I should know because you always teased me about which desserts would capture my sweet tooth!
Your husband and children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, sister-in-laws, brothers, cousins, extended family and friends, have been in shreds this week over your passing. We know how much you loved us and how much we love you. Each of us will love you until the end of our own lives.
You have led a life that is not only immeasurable by the stars in the sky, but each new twinkle of the stars symbolizes you making a new friend or acquaintance. There is not one moment that you could not befriend someone or start up a conversation with a stranger who shortly thereafter became known as friend. We have shared so many funny times as well!
I remember being pregnant for Frankie, and you and Don and Frank and I going to Vernon Downs to bet the horses. And, who walks in but professional boxers including Joe Frazier. It was then that you and Frank laughingly said, “Our baby will be a little boxer.” Little did we know years later, that Frankie would literally get into the sport of boxing – and I as his mother so happy that he got that out of his system, well for the most part.
Then, there was that K-Mart performance! You found this quirky little doll, the King of Soul, James Brown. You pushed the button on his pant leg and he sang (and very loudly) “I Got You (I feel Good).” You busted out singing, belting it out and doing the dance movements as well. You drew a crowd and they watched until the end. But, you did not know it because you were singing to me and I was laughing hysterically! You turned around when I pointed behind you and whether you were a little embarrassed or not, you took a bow and we left the store. That was a great day!
How about a more recent event – you and I at the Teresa Caputo performance at The Stanley?! We had a nice dinner beforehand and then listened to so many wonderful stories recanted by people who have had their own sadness in life. I had never heard of her, but wow, what a great night! I hope that if she comes back to Utica that me and some of your family can go so that we can hope for a visit from you through her.
It would be amazing to know what you are doing in heaven – but I think I have an inkling. You, your dad and your mom are at a casino playing the slots! We hope you hit it big! We hope you are happy! And, we know that you are so proud of your children and grandchildren and the people they have become or are becoming.
Do not worry about us, Natalie. We are gathering together and will be each other’s support system. From everyone here in this blasted cold wintery village of Frankfort, we love you. Whisper in our ears from time to time. Life won’t be the same without you – but until we meet again, keep dancing, dear sister-in-law. Love you!
By the way, is it you that pushed Tamrin into active labor the day after your passing?! Yes, baby Aarik is here and he would have loved to meet you! But, no worries, we will all make sure he knows everything about you! The memories will delight him!