Sunday, March 24, 2019
My earliest memory of my cousin Emily was on Marion Avenue. I was around 5 years old and received a bike for Christmas. It was an adult bike even though I was 5, but it had training wheels. In my heart I knew I could ride the bike without these silly wheels and I was impatient to have them removed. I guess Emily knew how bad I wanted this, so in true Emily fashion, she paid the boy across the street, Johnny Naporano, $5.00 to take them off. I remember being so excited that this was finally happening. He removed them and off I went down Marion Avenue. I was so impressed and remember this was my first memory of loving my big cousin.
Through the years we would be together a lot, as we lived in the same house. I remember Christmas mornings, Aunt Marie, Maryanna and Emily would come down to our apartment and we would exchange presents, all of us in our pajamas and robes and the Ciccone women in curlers. When I was in grammar school, we would walk home for lunch. Emily would be at the kitchen table eating lunch. She would quietly observe me and my brother being yelled at and sometimes chased by my Mother. I often wondered what she thought as she watched these episodes. I think I got the picture, when during a family party, while being harassed by us; she commented “you’re obnoxious”. I had no idea what that meant. She gave me the definition and it summed it all up. We would often laugh at this and I will never forget it.
My cousin was ahead of her time, for sure. In those days, women only moved out of their homes when they got married. Emily had different plans. I recall my Aunt being upset when Emily decided to move to the Colonnade Apartments in Newark. I remember going with Emily to the apartment with some of her things. It was an adventure for me. I was a little afraid because I knew of my Aunt’s disapproval and I didn’t want to get in trouble. I also knew that my big cousin would protect me.
I remember her wedding to Kevin…3 hours of cocktails. It was different; it was beautiful; it was Emily! She didn’t settle in New Jersey so we didn’t see her often. My parents would get together with her and Kevin. They loved her and Kevin and enjoyed each other’s company.
She was smart and she was successful. She was pretty with a wonderful sense of style. She possessed intelligence, style, a sense of humor, compassion, and a strong faith in God. She was a true role model for all women. A woman’s woman!
I recall when Emily received her horrible diagnosis. She was angry and upset but then faced her illness head on. She fought with a clear understanding of what was ahead. Her battle was long and hard and she held on with all she had. When I faced my own illness, she encouraged me and also enlightened me. More recently, Jimmy was given a similar battle and Emily was there with her thoughts and prayers.
Every memory of my childhood includes Emily. She was always there and I knew that. Over the years we didn’t see each other because of the distance and later because of her illness, but I knew she was there; just a phone call or email away. How I wish we could have the chance to take the 2 hour ride to be together now. I know that she wanted to stay, but God had other plans. She is no longer in pain and for that I am relieved.
I am heartbroken. I will miss our phone calls and emails. I’ll miss her smile and contagious laugh. I know she is still there though…in my thoughts, in my beautiful memories and in my heart always. Someday I pray that the tears are replaced with smiles of these wonderful memories.
I love you so much Emily. I thank God that you were part of my life.
Michele
