My son Devin, Nana, and Mike at her 93rd birthday party this past July.
Special Edition
They say that writing is a very therapeutic way of relieving stress and pain, and today I’m hoping for just that. A couple of weeks ago, my grandmother Elizabeth Squatrito suffered a stroke, which eventually took her life. Nana was 94 and one of those old Italian ladies that was always full of life. I’ll never forget all the times she was there for me, including every major event of my life, from birthdays, first communions and confirmations, high school and college graduations, my weddings, my son’s birth, and his birthdays and first communion. Though she’ll always be in my heart, the future family events just won’t be the same. We love you and miss you dearly.
Junior in happier days.
Sadly, on the day we buried Nana, my 14 year-old yellow lab, Junior, suffered repeated seizures to the point where the decision had to be made to put him down. This, by far, was the toughest decision I ever had to make in my life. For those of you who knew Junior, you knew he was a dog full of life and he brought happiness and love to everyone he met. He never missed a meal and was always there when I needed him. I recall a time in my life when I was going through a tough time during my divorce, but Junior was there every day listening to me talk out loud, and my long walks with him helped ease the pain. I know he is now running through fields, chasing rabbits and squirrels, waiting for the day for me to return and play ball with him one more time. Junior will always be immortalized in my stories, since he was my inspiration for Lance. Lead Nana to where she needs to go. Good boy, we’re going to miss you.