Concetta

02/08/2015

Concetta passed away this morning at 12:15 a.m. She was a sister, Mother, friend, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was my son's Grandmother and my grandson's Great Grandmother. Her family is from Italy and she was your typical Italian Grand Lady. She could cook like a dream and her house was always spotless.

She was my mother-in-law for 21 years when I was married to my first husband. The thing that stands out in my memory the most was her telling me when my son was born that. "It is Italian tradition that the first son born in a family is to be named after the Grandfather". My first husband's Grandfather's name was Sabastian. In the hospital that day I unintentionally sealed my fate with that family by saying, "I'm full blooded German and there is no way in heck this child is going to be named Sabastian". Hench, 20 years of feeling that I had let the "family" down.

Concetta spoiled my son to the extent that only a NONA could. When he was in school anything that he wanted, he got. When he started concert band it was not a beginners trumpet that he got, he got a Conn trumpet. Only the best. When he started photography it was not a beginners camera, he got a Nikon like the reporters use. That child did not want for anything. Even cross country skis had to be the best.

She divorced her husband over 50 years ago and I have no doubt that she loved him until today.

It is sad that when you divorce a spouse, you divorce the entire family. I really and truly loved Concetta and I have only seen her twice in the last 26 years. No matter how close you were or are to your in-laws, blood is thicker than water. The child of that person will always win out. I think of my first family now and again and my son is the link that will never be broken.

A Mother will understand this. You child is always your child. Families on the other hand can change dynamics.

Riposare in pace Concetta. possono i santi sia con voi.

Phyllis