Grandma was always very loving and generous. She did have some idiosyncrasies, like saving every paper bag and plastic container that was ever given to her, but I attribute that to her living through the great depression. I remember her sometimes telling me “Nicky, be careful how you spend your money. You never know when we’ll have another depression.” I would tell her, “Grandma, we’ll never have another depression in this country; there are too many safeguards in place.” Well, when the great recession hit in 2008, I had to eat my words and ask her to forgive me because we were very close to entering a depression. It’s amazing how Grandma and Grandpa started out there lives together with practically nothing; but with their faith in the Lord, coupled with hard work, they formed a successful business, which the Lord truly blessed. Grandma also shared with me how they held church services in their home in the early days. Their primary focus was always on the Lord. Grandma always gave gifts to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But her greatest gift and legacy is her faith. How many families can say that every child and grandchild, including spouses, and every great-grandchild, who is of age, all have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with Him? This is all by God’s grace, and yet Grandma’s faithfulness to the Lord and her testimony certainly played an import part, as she allowed the Holy Spirit to work in her and through her. One example I would like to share is how Grandma helped me through the darkest time of my life, when my son, Nicholas Jr., suffered a traumatic brain injury. Grandma would call almost every day to check-up on him. When I answered the phone, she would ask, “Nicky, how’s your son?” I would respond, “Not good, Grandma.” She would say, “Hmmm”, then a sigh, then “Dear Jesus.” After another pause, she would say, “Don’t lose your faith, keep trusting the Lord. The Lord is going to heal him.” I would say, “Yes, Grandma,” and then we’d pray. After several months, and several doctors later, the Lord started to work the miracle of my son getting his life back. Now, when Grandma called, I had good news to share with her. I’d say, “Grandma, you were right, the Lord is healing Nicholas. Thank you for all your prayers.” Immediately, she would respond, “No, don’t thank me. The glory belongs to the Lord.” I praise God for having such a wonderful Grandma. While we miss her not being with us here on this earth, we rejoice that she is now in the presence of the Almighty God, experiencing joy that cannot be compared to anything in this world, and by God’s grace, someday we’ll be reunited with her in eternity. Nick Napolitano - 5/17/2012