May 23, 2011: Evan's graduation from St. Peter's University
Twenty-two years ago, I sat in a hospital waiting room knitting a blue sweater for the baby who was soon to be born. After a while, my happy son Stevie came into the room and announced that Maureen and the new baby were fine. What a beautiful baby Evan was with his dark hair and big blue eyes!
Throughout his childhood, Evan spent a great deal of time visiting my house with his brother Matt and so many of his cousins. The first thing Evan did when he came into the house was grab a broom and sweep the kitchen floor. Then he checked to see that the cover of my kitchen garbage container was in place. I always made sure to have enough food for all of my growing grandkids. They especially loved my chicken soup with matzoh balls and my potato pancakes; the recipe included no less than five pounds of potatoes.
These kids were all so good (and so trusting) when they were with Grandma. They even planted watermelon seeds (which I supplied) in my small backyard garden and each time they visited, they checked to see if the watermelons had begun to grow.
Of course the watermelons never grew, but the kids certainly did! I remember looking down at these tiny boys, or carrying them around in my arms. Matt and Evan, each 6-foot, 4-inches tall, now tower over their shrinking old grandmother.
I was there for Matt's college graduation and his graduation from the police academy. Now, Maureen and I couldn't help the tears that again flowed from our eyes at this graduation. With his sweet, smiling baby-face, my grandson Evan will always be my little boy.
Maureen knows that I love butterflies because I feel that they send messages to us from Stevie in Heaven. I was sure to wear my butterfly pin and earrings on graduation day and I knew that Stevie was looking down at his son and smiling. Yes Stevie, Maureen has done an amazing job raising your boys and you have so much to be proud of. We all miss you today, my son.
On June 18th, Matt is marrying a beautiful girl named Jill so we will celebrate again! I've always said that Stevie left me three gifts: Maureen, Matt and Evan. Now I have discovered another gift -- my granddaughter Jill.
Congratulations, Evan! I love you so much! (:-)
Grandma
My three gifts from Stevie: Maureen, Evan and Matt
Below: Evan, Matt and me: Notice that I'm standing on tiptoes.
