Nov. 15- God Bless Yaiya

Yaiya Sofia has given us the world. After years of driving really humble cars, we took the plunge and got the girls some safe cars thanks to Yaiya Sofia.

 

June 11- My Beautiful Yaiya

My Yaiya was walking and my Papou knew he had to marry her. He asked her father for permission and they lived a hard life. He played for the Yankees as a professional ball player for only a couple years until he was injured. He was a sheriff and got sick with kidney problems. My Yaiya worked her whole married life to him, supporting and care taking. I don't know how she did it.

She never complained though. She just did the best she could. I love her saying "Put it in one ear and out the other." or "Life is not easy". She really was such a good friend to me and helped me to understand what true love is. She used to call me in Greek, my soul. I miss her so much.

 

St. Gerasimos Monastery and Leaving Kefalonia

It was the last day in Kefalonia and by now we knew the travel drill, we were going to be tired. But!!! We woke up early and drove to see St. Gerasimos Monastery. It was filling. I felt so thankful to my Yiaya for her strong faith she instilled in my mother and I. The monastery was colorful, extravagant, and highly detailed. A gaggle of geese were picturesque in the background. It was quiet and peaceful. It is said a group of sailors were going to die in a storm but a faithful sailor threw his St. Gerasimos icon into the sea and the storm immediately ceased. He was famous for healing the mentally ill and had a cave he lived in as a hermit. It is said that believes can still go down to the cave, but only if they believe.

My Yiaya loved her saint. I loved listening to her tell me the story of the saints, I can't say that about all her stories. It was beautiful and I definitely felt the spirit and reverence within it's walls.

When we were done we hit the most beautiful breakfast place. Grape leaves lined the outdoor windows to a view of hills with trees and dotted with houses. Kefalonia is famous for its wine. And in this beautiful spot, you felt like you were in Napa, but ultimate Napa. The owners were so friendly and even gave us gifts when we left. So considerate!!

We headed for the airport for the final night in Athens and Greece. The flight was delayed with no information. We were spent with Greece airports. The thing is, you have to go outside in the heat, board onto a plane with no air conditioning... it makes you wonder, why?? Spoiled Americans.

 

Yaiya Sofia's Viewing and Funeral October 11

Death is draining. The process after, the traditions, the ceremonies, the drama, the emotions...

I've said it once before, when Joe died, but I really do wish time would stop when someone dies. So you could cry, breathe, and just have that moment to mourn.

But you can't have time. You have to mourn and move unfortunately.

Whether it's your mind running a million miles an hour or actually running like Theo Speedo did all around town to get everything done.

The best part was being around family. Truly Yiaya was a wonderful woman who loved all her family. We were blessed in life to have such supportive, kind family members who were willing to help always.

The thing about a funeral is everyone wants to share how much they loved that person. But time doesn't allow us to share all that's in our heart. That's why I love this blog. I can take time after, whenever needed, to share away.

The food was excellent!! Christina my mom's old best friend was hassling Jody, Kim was telling me about how I need an Iphone, and the Greek church was beautiful. I went with Nina after to show her the stained glass window my Yiaya had bought for the church. It was St. Peter. The rock. Just like my Yiaya was for me.

It was a lovely service but at the same time I couldn't help but be grateful for my faith. How the funerals were basically the same principles of eternal life, how Christ saves us, and how there is life after death.

But 2 funerals I didn't have to worry about a single crumb of food or pay for it. As opposed to what Speedo had to pay the Greek church.

I don't know much. But I do know this, my Yiaya is with God. She is ready for me to do her temple work.

September 29

Yaya Sofia had moved in with Theo Speedo about a year ago. She had been in the hospital, her memory was a little spotty, and so it was.

He took very good care of her. The best he could with Valerie. She was happy.

On Thursday, she wasn't feeling too good and had a pain in her side. When Speedo took her in, it wasn't good. She was still coherent and cracking jokes... but the doctor informed us it was liver cancer.

We decided to do a biopsy to see what was going on. It ended up being stage 4 and she had spots on her lungs too. I really can't wrap my head around what happened, but all of a sudden she took a turn for the worse on Sunday. Saturday was spent with family coming in and her telling them how much she loved them. She was so peaceful and considerate and full of love. I can't count the number of times she said, "I love you."

The kids were all very sad. Especially Ella. They knew how blessed they were to have a Yaya like her in their lives. She will be sorely missed.

My uncle and I had to make the decision to do comfort care. She wasn't in any pain. It was astounding how quick it was. Thea Pam was with us Sunday night and they went home to bed. I was so grateful for the opportunity to stay with Yaya. I fell asleep. When I woke up around 3AM I noticed that she wasn't breathing. I called the nurses and she still had a heart beat. I held her hand and prayed over and over. I am so grateful for that sacred time together. Just my Yaya Sofia and I.

She was very peaceful. I lied by her side. I cried. It was all just so very fast.

My best friend. My call every single night. She gave me everything in life.

To say my heart is broken is an understatement. Everything hurts.

And yet, while it hurts there is an overwhelming gratitude. So grateful she didn't suffer, so grateful she was surrounded by love and good nurses. So grateful she is with her family on the other side of the veil now.

Macaron Tea Party

What a lovely day with our Yaiya!! Although it was a bit hot!! 100 degrees!!

We got out Yaiya's tea set and enjoyed some alfredo pasta, delcious tea, and tasty macarons!! But of course, the company was what was most enjoyed.

We did a tea bag hunt, played pass the tea pot with getting to know you questions, and did an English turn around where one thing was taken off the tray and you had to guess what was missing. Fun times. It's amazing how into it everyone gets.

We harvested the oregano and did a little watering in the backyard.

Overall, a very pleasant time with our grandma.