Dear Poppi,
Today we say our final goodbye to you My Father in law, Leonard D. DeVito. As I stood tonight for 4 hours in the family reception line at the wake…I could not help but be overwhelmed with the amount of love in the room. Person after person, shook my hand, gave big hugs and told me who you were to them. I began to categorize them…The Catholic High crowd, the Cigar store in Saratoga crowd, the Pharmacy crowd , the gym friends and the track friends and the church friends and friends of Mimi’s , caregivers, employees and employers.babysitters and store keepers… One thing was for sure YOU WERE LOVED.
I am so proud to be a part of this family..this loud, Italian family with so much heart and so much passion. I love my Smith family very much too…and between the two I was reminded tonight how very blessed I am…even though this is so hard and I really would much prefer that Maura was here giving Ellie a snuggle and you were smoking a cigar and telling me a great story , I wish my Mom was asking me for a diet coke and my Dad was listening to Aaron Copeland with me…I LOST something because I HAD something and THAT is something. I am blessed because the people who surround me love me and encourage me and make sure I know how much I mean to them. It fills me with the strength I need to move forward.
I keep thinking I see you…in Tate’s smile and Phoebe’s heart and Cooper’s smile…You son’s Damon’s’ whole self…I see you everywhere…and because I have not fully grasped the finality of your passing…I keep waiting for you to come around the corner. Anytime you want to send me a sign that you are doing okay…just go right ahead. For now, I am going to LOVE MY LIFE, live my life full out….like you did and make sure the people in my life know how much they mean to me..like you always did.
I Love you. I miss you.
Goodnight Poppi.
So sorry for this loss, especially so closely following the loss of your sister-in-law.
Thank you very much!
Oh no. I’m so sorry to read this. What a wonderful letter to your father-in-law, though. I know he read it and will send you signs he’s doing well to comfort you.
Sending love and blessings to you and your family. You’ve been through so much – I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you all. Take good care and keep those beautiful memories of Poppi close to your heart.
Thank you kelly.
Oh, lesli, I am so, so, sorry. This loss , so soon must be devasting. Know I am praying for you and your family . By the way , your response to my comment gave me comfort, and hopefully all your readers can continue to give you comfort during this time. I am encouraged by your determination to live life to the fullness measure. I am sure that is what our loved ones would want us to do. Beth
So sorry for your loss. You have written such a beautiful tribute to Poppi. I’m sure he would be very proud of your strength and courage.
Lesli – This is beautifully written. So very sorry for your families’ loss. Much love and prayer. xo
Thank you
What you wrote about the passing of a loved one is so relevant to all. You remind us to live large and with gratitude and love, and I, for one, can never be reminded of that too much. Thank you and I am truly sorry. xo, jane
Thank you so much Jane.
…you are having a tough time lately—I am so sorry.
You have been so very blessed with so many special people to have been a part of your life Lesli. Keeping you all in my prayers!