On Saturday, April 18th, at 1:45 a.m. my Yia Yia (Greek for grandmother) went to be with the Lord in Heaven. I know she would spank me for shedding tears in her absence, but this cannot be avoided. When I say she was the greatest woman I ever knew – I mean that with all my heart. My Yia Yia taught me a lot of what I know about life, people and about myself. The lessons and words of wisdom she gave me are endless. Not to mention all the love she poured into my sister and myself – she was my other mother. When I was sick she was always there, she always made me macaroni and cheese or massaged my neck when I had one of those all too common headaches. I have always known she was the pillar of strenth for me and my family – the matriarch – now she has passed on the torch. Her final words to me other than that she loved me was to take care of my babies – Katelyn, who she loved more than anything (who is also named for her, as am I) and little Charlie who she hung on to meet in her final days. We got the call that she was not long for this Earth, we rushed to her bedside and spent time talking to her, with her, holding her hand, kissing her, praying with her and just taking time to be by her side. Although, the way she was when I last saw her is not how I hope to remember her, but I wouldn’t change the opportunity I had to tell her I how I feel – no regrets. My heart nearly broke in two when she called to say she wanted to die and that she could go on no longer – in my usual fiesty tone I told her she wasn’t allowed that she had to meet her new great-grandson – she held on just long enough to see him and her precious Katelyn. I unrealistically never thought I would have to walk this earth without my precious Yia Yia always being a phone call, plane ride or car ride away and selfishly I wish she still was, but I know she is fully restored in the Lord and is healthy and well in Heaven having a party and seeing the world with all her friends and family that had gone on before her. Words are a good start, but none can ever compare to her and none can ever describe all she meant to me and my family. Please pray for myself and my family as I learn to adjust to life with my new little man and without the love and guidance that my Yiayia always gave. Yia Yia know that you are always in my heart and I think of you all the time!
