Memories of Noni

I had the opportunity to go home and spend time with my grandmother, Noni before she passed away. As I was there and since I have been back I have done a lot of reflecting on the type of grandmother and women she was. She is the type of grandmother I hope to be some day. She was loving and kind and a lot of FUN. She holds such dear memories for everyone who knew her. We spent a lot of our childhood with our grandparents. My mother was very close to Noni. They had an amazing bond- as everyone felt with Noni.

It is difficult to put memories down. I wanted my children to have brief glimpse at how special my grandmother was to me.

My memories include:

1. Noni and Dida had a white christmas tree with a bird that sang. Christmas was always very special in our family. We would go to Noni and Dida's house each year. It was always a loud, fun celebration with family and a lot of food. All the grand kids had stockings hung in the cold, back room. We would each get a dollar in our stocking.
2. Noni was the best cook. She always had food whenever people came over. I remember having pasta with cheese in it every time we went over. I also remember really good chicken noodle soup made with bow tie noodles. We would always add grated parmessan cheese.
3. I remember going over to Noni's and watching MTV with her. She would comment on how cute the singers were and who had nice bums.
4. I remember when I was at College I came home for a week during the summer. It was the summer of 1996. I sat in front of Noni while she brushed my hair.
5. I remember that soda was delviered to Noni and Dida's house in glass bottles. It was always a treat to have the "good soda".
6. I remember that noni would give us change to go to the store next to her house for treats.
7. I remember how special she would always make you feel.
8. I remember being there before she passed away- rubbing her head, holding her hand and singing her songs. I remember that she told me she loved me even though it was a struggle to say anything. I will always remember those last few special moments I was able to share with her.

We named Lydia after Noni (Lydia Boccacio Congelos) because Noni was an example of a loving, kind, powerful woman.

I am so grateful for my knowledge that families WILL be together forever. I know I will see Noni again. I imagine her now- sitting and talking with Dida and other friends and family. I can only imagine how many people rejoiced the day she went home to them.