Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Humble Hero

Hello dear friends.  
I know it's been a little while since I've popped in, but the unexpected break I took was needed.  If you follow along with me on instagram or Twitter, you might know that I lost my dear grandfather, or Opa, as I called him exactly one week ago.  There aren't any words that could describe how tough it's been...this whole year actually losing my two grandmothers as well.  As for my Opa, my hubby and I have been living and taking care of him, as well as my grandmother when she was alive for over a year now.  It's been challenging at times, but it's also been a huge honor and is something I will always cherish.  Both of them mean the world to me...they always will and I consider myself so incredibly blessed to have had them in my life for so long.  Though my grandfather was 92, his passing came unexpectedly.  I miss him so much.  He was quite a wonderful man and lived such an amazing life.  Orphaned at a young age, joined the army, survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, and went on to raise a family and commit much of his life to volunteering and serving at local charities.  He was a kind man with a big heart despite his small body and the most patriotic person I have ever known.


Growing up, there were countless times he took me along with him on his Meals on Wheels runs, delivering Christmas gifts to needy families in Harrisburg, and even to the local hospital where he served as a volunteer.  He always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of (even the ducks at the pond down the street).   He did anything and everything for his grandchildren...he loved us all so much.  Every night before I went to bed he would give me a kiss and sweetly say, "I love you baby, you know I would do anything for you".   And that's just it, Opa always made each and every one of us feel genuinely love because he was so full of love himself.

Below is a link to the article that was written about him from the day of the funeral which was featured on the front page of The Patriot News.

It was pretty special that Senator Vance, Former Harrisburg Mayor - Mayor Reed, Captain James Smart, Commanding Officer from the NSA and the honor guard from Andrews Airforce Base were there to participate in the ceremony and honor my Opa.

Friends, family, call Pearl Harbor survivor, a great American Hero



Opa, I love you so much and will forever keep you close to my heart.  Thanks for all the special memories that you and Oma have given to me.  I will treasure them always.  Now I know you are in a better place and reunited with the love of your life, your beautiful Susie once again.

MarisaandOpaonwalkwithKeane
A picture taken of us not long after I gave birth to Keane.  Opa loved him so much and loved going on walks with us.

Thanks to much to each one of you that have read this.  I will be back later this week, back to the swing of things.  Until then, have a marvelous week!

Love,

18 comments:

  1. Oh, Marisa I'm so, so sorry. This is a beautiful post, and it sounds like your grandfather was such an amazing person. If you need anything, I'm here <3

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  2. Oh my dear, I'm truly sorry.. you've had it hard enough losing your grandmothers... this post is such a beautiful tribute to your Opa. Wishing you well. XXX

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  3. so sorry for your loss. your grandpa truly must've been an amazing person and you write so sweetly about him x

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  4. I am so sorry to hear about your Opa, Marisa! He sounds like such a wonderful man and you are so lucky to have had him in your life. I hope you feel better soon but take it easy. We'll miss you but take your time and don't rush back into blogging if you don't feel ready :) x

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  5. Marisa, i'm so sorry about your Opa. i know how its hard because i'm very close with my grandpa too. your Opa seems like a very great and strong man. amazing. your family must be proud of him. thanks for sharing me this story, and i hope you feel better right now *big hug*
    i love the picture of Opa, u and Keane, so beautiful :)

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  6. Oh my dear ! I'm so sad and sorry for you... Take care...
    http://selenite.weebly.com

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  7. he sounds like a wonderful man, may he rest in peace..

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  8. so sorry to hear this. take care of yourself in this time of sadness.

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  9. Oh Marisa I am so sorry to hear that *hugs* He sounds like a wonderful man, and it's lovely that you got to spend so much time with him while you could <333 x

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  10. this and the article made me cry.
    i am so sorry for your loss.
    he sounded like an amazing man.
    i can not even imagine what he went through in the war..bless him.
    after reading the article..it makes me want to be a better person. he was filled with so much love.
    i will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
    i love ya. <3

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  11. He was so handsome and sounded like a wonderful man.

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  12. Oh darling, I'm so sorry for your loss...first your grandmother, now your Opa...you're so lucky though, for he could see your wedding and saw your son: I never knew my mom's dad, he died before I was born, and my dad's dad died when I was little.
    At least he's with his loving wife now.
    A big, big, hug...

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  13. oh marisa i´m so sad reading this, but now i know why you are the person who you are, i don´t know you really, but through your posts i always thought you are a person with a big heart and very thoughtful and lovely. so now i can see you learned it from your opa. This was really a very personal and touching post..
    love and kiss,mary

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  14. Oh Marisa I am so sorry to hear this sad news! It's been a hard year for you and my thoughts of course go out to you and your family. Our grandparents have such an impact in our lives, we were lucky to have them help build us up. I realize how much I learned from my grandparents now that they are no longer with us.

    Now they are in Heaven looking down on us.

    Sending you cosmic kisses and hugs!



    Virginie ♥

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  15. Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. Hope you're fine. Take care

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  16. I'm so sorry Marisa,I know very well how you feel,I miss my grandfather so much...

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  17. I had seen your instagram and was very sad about it. He sounds like an amazing man, and I am sorry for your great loss. That is wonderful that you took care of him and had such a great relationship with him.

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  18. Oh Marisa, this just makes my heart swell. He seemed like such a brave and sweet loving man, a true american hero. He's in a much better place now and it is so sweet that he is happily reunited with his sweet Susie. I hope the best for you doll, you're in my prayers. ♥
    xo
    lyndsey of hellolyndsey

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