I am so lucky to have had Nani in my life for almost 33 years. I will never forget some of the best memories of my life with Nani. Growing up in Congers when I was really young, Nani used to babysit me and although I was very young I have some great memories like helping her plant her maple trees and walking around the neighborhood. When Nani moved to New Jersey we had some of our best memories. Going to the beach, although I was terrified of the ocean, walking the boardwalk, going on the rides, spending thousands of dollars on trying to shoot the mini basketball into the net, amazing home cooked dinners, board games, card games, playing football in the house with my brother, sleeping in the "den". Every time it was time to go home, I would cry for hours begging my mom to stay for a few more minutes. I will never forget every time we pulled away, Nani and Pop would be at the driveway waving to us until we couldn't see them anymore. I couldn't wait to call her when we got home to say we got home safe and to plan our next trip. I remember Nani and Pop taking us to the Albany River Rats hockey game and I cried to her for hours after the game when they lost because I thought it was my fault that the home team never wins in any game that I ever go to. About 7 years ago Nani and Pop moved in with my parents. I lived there for a year or so until I got married. They were always right downstairs and I was able to spend so much time with them. After I got married (even before), Nani loved my wife Kaitlyn like she loved me. A little over a year ago we had our first child Ava who Nani absolutely adored. We are having another baby next month and I am so sad that Nani will not be able to meet her, but I know that she will be there in spirit. This has been one of the toughest losses in my life and I am so sorry for my Pop, mom, Aunt Kathy, Aunt Laurie, and Uncle Bob who were able to spend a lifetime with her. If I learned anything about the 33 years with my Nani it is the importance of family. Nothing was more important to her than Pop, her kids, her grandchildren, and Ava. I sat down last night and thought of all these memories and realized that I can be replaced in every single aspect of my life except for my family and those memories that I will have with them forever. Love you Nani.