When you know someone nearly 45 years it is hard to put into words the relationship you shared. You been through births, deaths, laughter and tears. You’ve seen the good the bad and ugly , therapy, counseling and self help group sessions and swore to keep each other’s secrets to the grave.
Gina would have written something profound and beautiful at a time like this.
She was an accomplished writer. I will do my best to make her proud.
I think she would have said to all of us, I’m finally where God wants me to be.
In her faith she believed God has always directed the path He wanted her to pursue even if no one else understood what or why she was doing it.
Quirky, that was Gina
Kind, that was Gina
Talkative, that was Gina
Brave, that was Gina
Trail Blazer, that was Gina
We would often tell her how she was a pioneer, championing one cause or another
whether we agreed with her or even understood what her purpose was, she remained true to herself and rarely cared what others thought.
She was a role model to many of us for her courage and strength in dealing with adversity of one kind or another.
She was a friend.
If you were her friend you always knew when she called, better make a cup of coffee,
Smoke a cigarette or two, make dinner, cause you were going to be on the phone for at least an hour.- there were times we had to hang up and call one another back in the middle of a conversation because our ears needed to cool off.
In that hour you would laugh, get a lesson from her Bible study or hear about the latest idea she was contemplating.
You would hear about how she reinvented a recipe that was healthier, less fattening and tastier than before even if you both loved the original.
She had an unquenchable desire for knowledge.
She often talked about how much she missed Joe, and wished he were still part of her life.
The conversation often would then lead to how much she needed to get organized and get her house “together” She was driven to have Anthony clean up his things….his man toys and stuff. She wanted to reclaim her house but wouldn’t listen to any of your ideas on how to get it done.
She would often say how happy baby Joey would make her when Stephanie and Joe would bring him for a visit and how they made each other laugh. He made her life better.
The conversation would always branch off to her talking about her grandchildren and how Janine and Todd were doing a good job raising them. They were good kids. She was proud of Paul getting
A job and his drivers license – working and going to school – James always made her laugh whenever they got together and Veronica her joy, any and everything she did was a triump and Gina treasured her.
I am sure Gina has something from each of us stashed away somewhere in her storage because if it was important to her, she couldn’t throw it out.
When she was sad the conversation would inevitably turn to her believing that things were in God’s Hands and she believed He would answer her prayers.
I can only hope He has ….and now Gina will be in peace…I don’t think she will be resting however….I’m sure she is already up to something carrying out His will.
Finally, When we remember Gina, remember the legacy she leaves behind.
Her polish pride and her ability to make Genie’s Italian stuffed meatballs!
Her love of family, Her laughter, her friendship, her free spirit
Her faith and belief in the greater good …
Remember in her own words, “the love we share will live on forever-
Our memories will always remain”
You will be missed my friend.
