Glory Ho

My Grandmother, died at about 11:30 PM December 21nd, Denver time. My Mom sent Andrea and I the following email, about an hour later:

“Grandma passed away at 11:30 PM Dec 21st, she was having trouble breathing and just stopped. She will be spending Christmas with Grandpa and her sister and Uncle Billy. I am sure it will be a wonderful one. I left her about 10:30, Janice and Teri spent the night, they were all settled in and Grandma was sleeping so I kissed her goodnight and told her I loved her and left them. Janice woke shortly and did not hear her breathing any more, woke Teri and they called the nurse. We will be making arrangements tomorrow. Paul will be here on Sat along with Rebecca and Luke. Joe and Jake are in Texas with Simone. I love you both.”

My Grandma was the Matriarch of The Sinopoli Clan (TSC). TSC consists of my grandparents nine children, in addition to their spouses and their children. BOOKS could be written about TSC – suffice to say now that it’s a spirited family group which has swelled to about 30 laughing, crying, angry, generous, infuriating, funny, passionate people. With very few exceptions, the family hasn’t strayed far from the Denver metro area, and with very few exceptions, they are wonderful cooks. Historically the whole group has gathered for all the major holidays (Bronco play-off games count). But for my ENTIRE life, Christmas Eve has been the high point of celebration, tradition and belonging – not to mention eating and drinking. Our family priest, Father Banigan used to conduct a complete mass, including music and communion; one year, we had a nativity play, with three acts; of course Santa Claus ALWAYS came and ALL the grandchildren HAD to sit on Santa’s lap for a few pictures, and a bit of humiliation.

Margaret Sinopoli and the late Louis Sinopoli were the raison d’etre of these celebrations, and for Grandma to pass so soon before Christmas Eve this year amplifies the symbolic significants of her passing – for now their children will have to carry on without them. The decendants of Margaret and Louis have long ago become the household care-givers – but symbolically, we now look up to find the roof missing.

I will remember my Grandma for her clever sense of humor; for her lovely singing voice, and for her chuckling Irish accent which endured despite living more than 60 years in the United States. Although she is known by others as having a strong and sometimes firey personality, I’ll remember her best by her perpetual good nature – even when proclaiming “It’s bloody cold outside! When does it get warm?!”

Goodbye Grandma, I love you, and I’ll miss you.