I was nine years old when I met Grandma Sal for the first time. I had just moved across the state after my parents divorced, and my mother was getting remarried. What I though at the time was the worst thing that could happen to me, turned out to probably the best, and it was all because of Sal.
Grandma Sal raised the family who raised me, and she did it better than anyone I have ever seen. She was a pillar in her community (when that still meant something), and did everything her power to make her town a better place to be. She raised two boys and a girl, who all grew up to be great people and go on to create their own families.
It was impossible to make Sally angry. Even when my brother John burned the barn to the ground, she was just happy that everyone was OK. Her patience and love to everyone around her has been on the biggest inspirations of my life.
It’s hard to imagine the world without her, but the impact she had on those around her will never fade away. There are a lot of people who owe a lot to her, and the best way we can pay her back is to live lives that she would be proud of.
I miss you Grandma.
