Artifact # 4

FAMILY 

The last and final artifact I brought with me to show my classmates was a picture of my sister in law. My sister in law was my role model and sponsor. In my life I have experienced a great loss. My brothers wife passed away at the young age of 30, 9 days before my birthday. She lost her battle against aggressive cervical cancer in 2007 and we laid her to rest. It was the first funeral I have ever been to and its had an effect on me ever since. My nephew was only 2 at the time and hardly remembers her. My sister-in-law is our angel. Before she died, her and my brother spoke and She wanted me to have her wedding dress. I cried when my brother pulled me aside to tell me it would make her happy to give me her dress. She knew how much I loved it and admired her on her wedding day. As an 11 yr old girl who was turning 12 I told her how much I loved her dress and how much I wanted the same one when I got older. As a promise to her I will one day wear this down the aisle in memory of her. In my life she was the greatest human being I have ever been blessed with. Again I can't stress this enough: Family is so important! I realize that not all children have the opportunity to grow up with theirs for many reasons. As a teacher I want to reassure kids who come from tough backgrounds that I will be their friend and in the classroom their family. I want them to feel loved and wanted in my classroom. I strive to be the best person I can be on the inside of the classroom and out. My sister in law is also the reason I am the person I grew up to be. She could put a smile on anyones face. She was strong which was evident throughout her battle of Cancer and she loved until the day she left us. The love she had for my nephew and just our family is enough to touch others lives. I know that she is watching down on all of us. The main thing is I still get to see a part of her in my life. My nephew looks like my brother but still has her sparkling eyes and amazing personality with a kind heart to boot. Until we meet again Christina.

Here is a snip-it of her obituary. I have taken out last names for privacy and security of all those mentioned in the obituary: Christina - Peacefully with her family by her side at the Henderson Hospital on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at the age of 30, after a courageous and short battle with cancer, our Lord has called her home. Christina is survived by her loving and devoted husband Saverio and her precious son Francesco. Beloved daughter of Giovanni and Maria, she will be greatly missed by her brothers Vito and Steven. Cherished daughter-in-law of Francesco and Silvana and treasured sister-in-law to Adamo, Andrea and Rita. Loved and remembered by her grandparents, Nonna Angela and the late Nonno Stan , Nonna Leonilda and Nonno Vito , Nonna and the late Giuseppe , Nonna Rita and the late Nonno Saverio. Christina will be sadly missed by her aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. A special thank you to Dr. M and Nurse Heidi, Dr. V and Nurse Kim and the team of doctors and angels on Ward 395 at the Hospital for their love and support during our time of need. Christina, you were our strength as a family and our shinning light. Your love and inspiration will be greatly missed. You leave a void in our heart that will never be filled, but we know you are holding God's hand and watching over us now. "My wife, my life, I will miss you forever."