Saturday, January 26, 2008
Dear dear Family, So very sorry to have missed Joey's service. I was shocked and so very saddened to hear of her passing... she was way too young. Of course my thoughts drift back to the 'old days' when we worked together at FFTH. Jo was soooo much fun for us crazy teens who worked in the kitchen back then. We always felt protected and loved by her - she was our surrogate Mama! I can still hear Gracie (Marie) yelling (and Gracie was the only one able to say this with 'true feeling' - "STRAINER RANER!!" It still cracks me up. Joey and I shared the birthday month of July. We would tell each other we were birthday buddies.... My gosh time passes but memories linger for always. Hang onto and cherish your memories of 'Mom', Grandma, sister, friend. Reminiscing brings loved ones back for a while ~ and this is oh so good. My heart aches for you all, especially losing your Dad (Grandpa) not very long ago. (I recently learned of his passing - :-( I was on my way to Joey's memorial service when I ended up taking my daughter, Gina, to the ER. (She is home recuperating after a 7 day stay). I just wanted to give you each a hug and let you know how loved you are by your Mom and Dad, by God and by me. We'll all be praying for you and your shuffle your way along this grief journey. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. HUGS and much love, Val & Bob DeLeo
