So, we've officially sold my Nonno's place in Illinois and my family has begun to walk a life without grandparents. My Aunt Tina sent us all an e-mail with a list of the furniture we could have if we wanted it and this was my response.
- - -
Hey Family,
Naturally, I read a furniture list and I take a trip down memory lane. Mom, grab a tissue, I might turn on the tear ducts :)
- - -
Hey Family,
Naturally, I read a furniture list and I take a trip down memory lane. Mom, grab a tissue, I might turn on the tear ducts :)
"Wojcik for Lupori, We're in the Green Book." Ah, there is nothing like the comforts of Lake Barrington Shores. This morning, my window is open at work and I am sipping black coffee from a large mug. The shadows of the trees are dancing across my desk, a lawn mower hums in the distance, and the squirrel is eating from the bird feeder in our courtyard. It is a familiar feeling - one that brings me back to Oak Hill.
I opened this e-mail and just let my heart flood with memories.
The excitement of turning left and going by the "Big Pool" and then looking to see if Nonno was still on the putting green,
or feeling my stomach take a dive as we drove down the big Oak Hill Drive,
trying to tie my shoes as fast as I could so we could all sneak up the 787 sidewalk to ring the doorbell.
The jump in my heart every time that garden gate opened, knowing that more of my favorite people were about to walk through. Slippery socks on the dark wood floors, a pretzel jar waiting for hungry hands, and off-brand ketchup with Nonno's grilled pork tenderloin.
I remember bridal showers and baby showers, new cousins making their appearance, and my childhood Christmas mornings.
Hours were spent in that home and the foundation of what it meant to be a part of a family was built in my heart.
[Nonni & Nonno moved to a new place on Golf Lane, right before Nonni died in 2005]
At first, the Golf Lane place seems a little bit heavier, harder, and less hospitable. Past the surface I see a strength that I hadn't noticed until opening this e-mail. It was here that I watched all three of you Lupori kids fight the front line for your Mom and Dad. It was here that I realized a family needs a strong foundation to weather the storms of pain, suffering, and really hard conversations.
It was here that I witnessed what it means to sacrifice for those you love.
In God, when we are weak - we are strongest - because you learn to trust in something that is bigger then this world.
This morning I thank God for the offer on Nonno's place and for the healing He has provided in the past couple of months. I am grateful for celebrations and glimpses of heaven on this earth - I am reminded of the importance in being intentional. I am honored to be a part of this family and excited for a future of growth - graduations, sporting events, wedding showers, baby showers, retirement parties, and the holidays we can squeeze in our schedules.
I love you all.
Laur
XoXo
I love you all.
Laur
XoXo
