Diana MIrabile
Dear Josie, Rocco, Henry, Mary, Tony & Diana-
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your Mom's (my beloved Aunt's) passing. I am sad that I will never see her again or have her tell me I put too much pepper in my pepper taralles. In fact, as I was mixing them up just last weekend, I was careful not to put too much pepper and was hoping for her approval this year! That's your Mom! Your Mom will always have a special place in my heart and she played a significant role in my life always making periodic trips to visit my Mom, especially after my Mom had completed her cancer treatment and was somewhat functioning again (unbeknownst to us, she would only last 6 months more)- your Mom had to come to make sure she was OK. Well, they had such fun being together laughing and taking their daily walks - how thoughtful of your Mom - we'll never forget it. She made a difficult time for my Mom & us tolerable with her humor and kindness. Even though she was far away - she just seemed nearby to me. And, how can I NOT mention her flying right away (with Tony) to be at my side after my Mom passed away - she helped me get through those awful difficult days. I did the best I could to make my Mom's funeral everything she would have wanted - it's all so difficult. And finally how can I ALSO not mention your Mom (and all of you) came to my Nichole's wedding - your Mom told me she HAD to be there to take the place of my Mom - I'll never forget it - what a wonderful miracle for me to have my Mom's beautiful family with me on that special day. Please know I am so sad I cannot be with you all today to comfort and help you though this process, but I know you are all together and are blessed to have each other and ESPECILLAY blessed to have had your Mom 24 more years than I had mine. My heart is with you today as you celebrate her life and say good-bye, but it's not really good-bye, she's just behind a veil and isn't far away at all - she'll always hear your prayers and will NOW be your special guardian angel watching over & protecting you all.
I still miss my Mom terribly, but I know every year when I make her pepper taralles and her Easter Bread, her hands are over mine helping me mix up & knead that 10 pounds of dough and she helps me continue her recipes and traditions for my growing family which I am so blessed with.
So, my best words of comfort to you all is keep her ALIVE with all the stories, memories and traditions - it will comfort you in the weeks, months & years ahead. They NEVER really leave us - they are just a thought away. Well, I've gone on long enough. Please know that I (and my family) were so blessed that you shared your Mom with us (the NY branch of the Zarrillo's) and we will be together again and will share our stories of both our Mom's (they are together again laughing & joking). Know that I love you all and miss you all terribly.
Our love always,
Diana, Matthew & my entire family
Wednesday November 16, 2016 at 10:16 am