4 Years and counting

It seems like just yesterday we were laying on the beach, talking about online orders, enjoying a beach drink as the waves splashed over our toes. Then as night came we fixed a big dinner, played cards against humanity, joked about your new hat, listened to the ocean, sipped on our favorite Jameson drink, laughed and enjoyed our time together. I can’t believe that was 4 years ago. I miss you.

What was a magical week, and it was magical, turned into a distant memory I wish never ended. You are a figure that we can never replace. We have grown to build our own story with you forever in the back of our minds. Your smile, your goofy laugh, your loud snoring, your tenacity and dedication to work and family. We miss you.

So here we are 4 years later without you to provide guidance and love. You have a beautiful and spunky grandchild Cruz. Your wife has become an independent force that you would be so proud of. Your baby girl is beyond successful and a beaming representation of you. The family unit that you made so much a part of your life has grown in your memory. They knew they had to go on. They had to be brave. They had to be strong. They knew you would be looking over them. You are here and have made the past 4 years something we can all bring into the next 4+ years. Your kindness and focus on family has given us the strength to remember and be strong. We miss you.

This day comes with happy and sad

There is pain and sadness when I think of August 30^th. I had to let you go. I had to watch you struggle and knew you wouldn’t come back. I had to grow up in a second to be a pillar of hope for your family. I had to become something I never thought I would need to be for many years. I had to say goodbye.

I remember that day as if it was yesterday. Loading up the van with all of our gear, enjoying your favorite Hawaii fish sandwich, schlepping all of our beach chairs across the sand, checking in with the beach shop to see if we could get water “noodles”, convincing you to go snorkel. We swam, we laughed, we took pictures, then everything changed. It was your time and I hope, if you can hear me, that I tried my best to do everything. I didn’t want to lose you. Unfortunately, God had another plan.

For years I embraced you as a father figure when my own was hundreds of miles away. I respected your passion in family and hard work. From college parties, super bowls, vacations, dinners, and everything in between you were always present in understanding and compassionate when we needed you. You gave us so much that its impossible to ever forget or let those memories go. We will never forget, we will always miss you.

I will always love you Greggerino, you were a true gentleman and caring soul on this earth. You were taken too early, you had something that everyone could learn from, you were unique. You were one of a kind. Thank you for everything you have done for me, your baby girl now my wife, your amazing wife that does so much for us, your legacy of compassion, your presence that I feel every day to get me through the good and bad times. On August 30^th the world lost a great man, but we will never forget the imprint you left on us and those around you. I know you would be so proud of your family. We miss you always and forever.