Amor Aeternus
On Sept. 16, 2021, my grandmother, my Nana, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and loved ones. A cancer survivor, she fought harder, longer; filled with love for those she cared about so, so dearly. She passed peacefully with all of us at her side giving last hugs, kisses and tears. A moment that many families have not had the opportunity to share these last two years.
Born in 1944, in the final, difficult years of the Second World War, she embodies all of the traits of those that preceded her. A single mother, she raised three rambunctious boys surrounded by hardship and poverty. But she shaped them into intelligent, caring, driven and compassionate individuals. She gave them everlasting love that transcended into my father, and then unto me and my brother who I have grown much, much closer to.
Easily one of the tallest women in the room, with fiery hair and spirit, she left a lasting impression on all those lucky enough to meet her and she carried the burden of empathy with all her hilarious, goofiness that we will laugh about for decades to come. Her knowledge of homeopathic remedies was unmatched and I still find myself applying tea tree oil to any blemish or cut I receive.
My family asked me to make these pictures during our journey to be with her one last time and these photos continue to haunt me almost every moment. I continue to shed tears, and hopefully, one day I will shed tears of joy. But you, Nana, are gone, and I am eternally thankful I could see you one last time and feel you give me one last “grandma kiss,” with all your strength, as I left the room and said “I’ll see you in a second, Nana.” And I find peace in the fact that I was able to carry you, with my brother aside me, out of your final bed and home with the Arizona butterflies following you into the desert heat and into eternity.
My love cannot be described in words nor any medium. I hope I captured the love we feel for you, although filled with pain, but it’s all because I love you so much. I love you, Nana. And I’ll see you real soon.
