Friday morning we met our teacher at Termini to depart for Milan. A four hour train ride later, we had arrived. We headed straight for Castigloni's Design Studio.
Not even 20 minutes in, my phone had started frantically ringing. Papa was calling, and so I texted mom. "Tell dad to stop calling. I'm in class. Is everything ok?" At that moment, my heart dropped. I knew it wasn't good. "Call dad. Important." That's all I got.
I called papa only to discover that my dyedushka, my mom's dad, had died. There I stood... in this world famous design studio... hysterically crying... not knowing what to do...
"Quietly, gather your things, and fly home." Those were my orders.
I walked over to my teacher, told her the news, and began to walk out the door. I didn't know what to do. My first instinct was to go back to Rome and orient myself. I was in Milan... and my grandfather had just died. What's going on? I was at a loss of words, thoughts, everything. What do I do?
As my teacher walked me to the subway stop, my mind went blank. I was in shock. I couldn't process the information I was just told.
Eventually, we realized that I should go look up flights at the hotel before going anywhere, and so we did. I was lost, confused, and alone. As I searched through what seemed like millions of websites, half of which were in Italian, I began to panic. Luckily, Blanche called to tell me she was taking care of it. I love you Blanche. Thank you for getting me home.
Since the flight we found was for the next morning, I continued on with class. I was already missing more than half of a mandatory class trip, I didn't want to flunk. We went to the Design Continuum. That's where the Reebok Pump and the Swiffer was invented. It was very interested. It also helped to get my mind off things... if only for a minute.
After, we went to Dilmos and then for Apperitivo.
As the rest of the girls went out, I stayed in the hotel room to write something to say at the funeral. If only I were home, I thought to myself...
The next morning, I jumped in an obscenely expensive taxi, and made my way to the airport. 9-10 hours, and a million security stops later, I was home. Papa picked me up from the airport. It was so bitter-sweet. I was sooooo excited to see him. Still, I would've rather not seen anyone on these terms...
The whole way home, I was bombarded by calls and texts from concerned friends. My friends are solid gold, every single one of them. I really appreciate everything everyone has done. Thank you.
Leslie was already waiting for me at babushka's with mama, blana, and baba. Again, the bitter-sweet emotion was that much more overwhelming. Apparently, everyone is under the impression that I am half a person. I don't think so, but ok. Arthur stopped by too. Later in the evening, Leslie snuck me out to say hi to some people. Once again... this bittersweet emotion... Happy Halloween Everyone!
Sunday morning was the funeral. I was so touched by the multitude of people who came to pay their respects. The hall was packed. Friends of mine filled a row in support. Arthur, Leslie, Maryanna, Arkady, Alina, and Syvan showed up. I can't tell you how much that means to me.
My speech was praised, and by the time we got to the restaurant, many had left. Still, we had 78 people attend. My grandfather was a great man, and many people loved and respected him. He will always be in our hearts. For the first time in his life, he will finally be able to get some rest and relaxation. R.I.P
Late at night, I snuck out again. Lena called and told me to come by Larry's. Though hesitant at first, I took up her invitation and was dropped off. It was so nice to see them. My groove was still in my couch! I even dozed off a bit, til Jack got home. We chatted a bit, and then Lena took me home. Before I got inside, we had a little heart to heart in the car. Again... the bittersweet emotion... my friends are the best.
Monday was tough. All the fuss was over. It was just us. Mom, Blanche, and I sat at grandma's. I snuck out to pick up pills and say hi to Ura, and Blanche bought herself and myself some shoes. Connie stopped by also. Later that night, I stopped by Michaelangelo's to meet up with Arthur, Arkady, and Aline. Otherwise known as Triple A. haha (Sorry, I had to!) Then, we stopped by Dunkin Donuts where Lena was waiting for us. Nothing like homework and AMERICAN coffee to get your mind off things. Jack stopped by too. Oh.. F.Y.I to all the F.O.B's... make sure you look around for local celebrity girlfriends before you start talking ish. haha
Tuesday was another long day. Most of it was spent at babushka's. Around 4:30, I went downstairs to look at pictures, and all of a sudden it hit me. He's not coming back... Eventually, I made it upstairs and cried in Mama's arms like a little girl. What were we gonna do without my dyedushka? Of coarse, a little bit later TMobile shit down as well. It seemed like the world was coming to an end.
Around 6:30, mama dropped me off at Diana's and the girls took me for sushi. Diana, Luba, Lena, and I went to Mt. Fuji. It was exactly what I wanted. Once again... the bitter-sweet taste... It felt so nice to be together again. Still, I was in a fog.
After dinner, I went to say bye to mama and then straight to babushka's to relieve Blana. It was my night to sleepover. Arthur and Maryanna stopped by, and Arkady tried. Papa came by around midnight. I was beat and half asleep.
Wednesday morning I might have lost my mind. I felt dyedushka's presence. The day we were all leaving babushka for the day, he made sure to show up. I could've sworn he put his arm on my back to comfort me. It was almost creepy. Even beyond the grave, he is still taking care of us and making sure everything is done.
Papa picked me up and we went home to finish some things. He brought home famous for lunch. It was so delicious! And then, before I could blink... it was time to head back home... back home to Rome... Rome Home...
Seven hours in the sky and I was back. I came home. I finished a paper. I went to class. I failed a test. I fell asleep in class. I went on a field trip, and went back home. I'm exhausted. I'm in such a daze. It seemed almost as if I never left. Secretly, I'm still waiting to wake up from this nightmare... from this whole semester. There are too many drastic ups and downs. It can't be real. It seems surreal...
In the morning, I fly to London to see Larry O... I wanted to cancel my trip. My parents insisted I didn't. They say Grandpa wouldn't want me to. I'm suppose to go on as normal. Out of respect to my parents, I'm going. For my grandfather, I'll smile and try to go on. I miss him terribly... My heart hurts, and once again I'm all alone. It hasn't even been a week...
Today would have been my grandparents 54th Wedding Anniversary. Happy Anniversary.
Rest in Peace Dyedushka. I love you.
March 3, 1930 - October 30, 2009
Signing Off,
Ciao Bella...
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