#303: Grandma Faust

My sisters and I deeply admired our grandmother (Faustina) as she was quite the character - so full of life and laughter and spunk, to say the least. She had so much love to give and lived each day like she was never getting older. She passed away just before her 95th birthday, and both of those dates just passed, so I was reminiscing and going through old photos last weekend. My sister Jaime also shared a tribute she had written years ago, and it made me even more grateful for the human our grandmother was and the teachings she left us. Jaime's poetic words left me smiling, and they are shared below.

- Amanda

Grandma Faust

To laugh everyday. 

To ride big-wheels at 70 years old. 

To not "give a s$*t" about what others think. 

To take walks into town. To hold hands at any age. 

To forget recipes and still cook. 

To love animals, especially dogs. 

To wear things that bring memories and make you feel beautiful. 

To sit on the front of boats. 

To drive (a new car) at 90. 

To get lost on the highway and call to ask "where the hell am I?". 

To chase children. 

To flirt with waiters. 

To dance in hospitals. 

To bother loved ones. 

To love coffee even when it's bitter. 

To play sports, at any age. 

To eat sweets. 

To not know if "you're coming or going" and not be worried about it. 

To love my hair. 

To draw. 

To love food. 

To have a belly and still be healthy and to smile about it. 

To love. To laugh. A lot. 

To talk loud. To be a good Italian. To complain a little but love life more. 

To all the things my Grandma taught me and gave me. 
To the smiles you left people with everywhere you went. 

I always share your story because you taught me to love and be in a way that was both romantic and realistic, sweet and sarcastic, loving and tough. This is life. You knew it so well. I wished for all to celebrate you with me. To spread love. To spread life. 

May I be you in the best of your ways. 

May you rest most peacefully my Grandma.