Adelaide's Gigi

Adelaide, when your great grandma passed away, you said some of the sweetest things I have ever heard you say. Although it was, and still is, an incredibly sad time for me, you made me feel so proud and honored to have you as my daughter.

You reminded me that Gigi would be seeing her own parents in heaven, and how much she must be missing them. You celebrated what a great person Gigi was, remembering all of the things that you knew she liked - chocolate, shoes, jewelry and God. ;-) That distilled view is not only accurate, but so very precious. When you cried, I mourned with you, but I also rejoiced at knowing you had something to cry about - you really knew Gigi, and you were blessed to have known her in a way that I am assured she will stay with you your whole life. Your concern for Grandma, knowing that Gigi was her mother, was a treasure that I know Grandma was thankful for, and something that I am positive put a sweet note on the pain she was feeling.

When I took you and Vivian to build stuffed animals and eat dinner to give Aunt Jenna a break for her hip surgery, you had a very intimate conversation with your cousin. You discussed in the backseat, without knowing I was listening, how sad it was that Gigi had passed away, but also how happy because she was in heaven. You and Vivian processed these new emotions together. That was also a gift you gave me and Aunt Jenna both, an illustration that raising you as close as siblings is giving you both the kind of support in each other we hope you will always have.

We still talk about Gigi, and we pray for her every night. Thank you for comforting me, and we miss you, Gigi.

Facebook, September 8: 

"My grandma Jennie Ferrando passed away last night. She was a feisty, and devout woman. She taught me how to be an ambitious and strong professional, and validated my compulsive tidiness. She and my grandpa shared the kind of rare marriage where their love was visibly evident every day of their lives. When she first got a Facebook page, I chuckled and cheered. If any of you have pictures of her to share, please tag them.

I love her so very much."