Wednesday's Word: Special Edition

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The main purpose for our trip to Utah was to visit Michael's Nani. And wouldn't you know, the timing could not have been better. Our dear sweet Nani passed away yesterday morning, a mere two weeks after our visit. The whole family was able to be there to spend the day together and create lasting memories and to celebrate the life of this wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother. There wasn't one person present who couldn't feel of the strong love that abounded that day. I've simply never felt anything like it.


magnanimous \mag-NAN-uh-muhs\, adjective:
1. noble in mind or soul; free from mean or petty feelings or acts
2. showing a generous spirit; generous in forgiving.

In my life, I am surrounded by magnanimous people. Everyone I know is the greatest person I have ever met. And I don't mean that lightly. It's hard to lump people into categories because each person has marked my life for good in so many ways that it would be impossible to name you all individually. Just know that this very sentence is dedicated to you.
All those who knew Nani were made better for it. Technically, I was only related by marriage, but she never, ever made me feel that way. From the moment we first met, she made me feel as though we were being reuinted after a long time apart. She always treated me as one of her own blood grandchildren. A small part of me feels somewhat guilty for loving her as much as I love my biological grandmothers, or non-deserving of her love because I was just someone who entered her life as an in-law. But the larger part of me knows that she (and my other grandmothers) would frown on that statement. And so it is with great honor that I name Nani as one of my own.

Thank you Nani, for showing me unconditional love. For showing me how to live. For teaching my children how to smile in spite of the circumstances. For your children, and grandchildren.


Thank you for your legacy.

Comments

Danielle said…
What a great word to describe Nani - it's been amazing to hear all of the beautiful things that friends and family have been saying about Nani and her incredible life. Ultimately, there are no words to describe her. I'm so glad you are my family! I love you!
April 9, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Terrie said…
Grandmothers have a way of leaving an imprint on our lives regardless of our relation, don't they? What a wonderful example she must have been for such a sweet dedication.
April 9, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Jesika said…
MY EM! I'm so glad you and your amazing family were able to spend some special, quality time with her before she passed! You are right...the timing couldn't have been more perfect! It makes me think of my grandma and how incredible she was. I can't believe she's almost been gone for a year. It still seems like she passed yesterday. Thanks for sharing this with us! I LOVE YOU MUCHO!
April 10, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Unknown said…
ERMA: a great tribute to your Nani. I am sure everyone will miss her. I am sure there are special spirits that are meant to be a part of our lives, I am glad that she influenced yours. And... I can see just like you said in the most recent post....a picture says a thousand words...and your silly faces in this one will be remembered for a long long time!
April 10, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Tamara with a "T" said…
Emily...you are an amazing person and I think that we are so lucky to have you part of our family. I knew we would be sisters...somehow :)
April 14, 2009 at 4:24 PM
The Raguskus Family said…
you are amazing. this was really neat to read.
April 14, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Vicky said…
I am just glad I don't have to speak this comment, Thank you!! and you'll always be one of Nani's grandauthers..siempre siempre beautiful niece!
April 20, 2009 at 2:01 PM
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