As I post this the snow has melted due to a very warm New Years Eve. I can't help but see the beauty in that - a fresh start, the sad day gone away. The sticky mud left for us to deal with. Regaining our footing on this new ground. Wishing for even nicer weather and a time where we can know what to expect outside. A time when things like singing Happy Birthday and count downs to midnight don't cause tears. So on this 2nd day of 2011 I share with you my heart in hopes that I can get to a place beyond loss. A place were I can remember smiles and laughter and know that one day we will be together again.
Good afternoon. On behalf of the Malsam Family I would like to thank all of you for being with us today to share in the celebration of Carolyn Ann Malsam’s life. As I look out and see this church full of friends and family I know my Grandma would be truly touched.
A few minutes is certainly not enough time to share with you, all of the wonderful things those who knew Carolyn felt about her. And if you are here today I’m sure you’ve experienced first hand her kindness, sincerity, generosity or her ability to make everyone feel included and welcome. She had a gift when it came to making people feel special and I know that Bob, Joe, and Will felt more like sons than son-in laws and that Herbie and Liza were not the spouses of Grandchildren but rather Grandchildren numbers six and seven.
Carolyn had many gifts, among them courage and tenacity. I don’t believe there was anything she ever tried in which she didn’t succeed. She ran a clothing store and became a dental assistant and after she retired decided to become an antique dealer. You have not seen determation unless you’ve seen Carolyn at an auction trying to buy what she wanted. She would set her jaw, look only at the auctioneer and bid until she hit the limit she had set for herself or the other person backed down from intimidation WHICH was fairly often. Then she would take these filthy, worn and broken pieces home and turn them into beautiful treasures. In reality she was an artist as well.
She was the apple of her father’s eye. She was also a Big Sister to Marilyn, Joann, Judy, Larry, Ricky, Robby, David, Joey and Mary Jo. She loved to tell us stories about growing up in Des Moines with her siblings and it was important to her that her children and grandchildren know the Barsetti Family as well. They are a fun loving bunch just like their sister with laughs that are similar and contagious. And Carolyn cherished those times when the family would gather together and she would be so pleased to see all the little ones continuing the family legacy.
But Grandma was the heart of the Malsam Family. And every day she exemplified what it was to love others. For 53 years she was married to her best friend, George Malsam. Not many people marry someone they meet in kindergarten but my Grandparents don’t fall into the category of most people. They had a love that was strong and giving and radiated to those around them. You would often see my Grandpa stealing kisses from his Honey Bunch. And after all these years they were young people in love who would hold hands and giggle. The sight of them dancing together could take your breath away. The amount of respect and trust that they had in one another was apparent even after spending just a few minutes with them. Carolyn was his pearl. Radiant and delicate. Someone to treasure. A rare find for most – God’s plan for him.
But Grandma was the heart of the Malsam Family. And every day she exemplified what it was to love others. For 53 years she was married to her best friend, George Malsam. Not many people marry someone they meet in kindergarten but my Grandparents don’t fall into the category of most people. They had a love that was strong and giving and radiated to those around them. You would often see my Grandpa stealing kisses from his Honey Bunch. And after all these years they were young people in love who would hold hands and giggle. The sight of them dancing together could take your breath away. The amount of respect and trust that they had in one another was apparent even after spending just a few minutes with them. Carolyn was his pearl. Radiant and delicate. Someone to treasure. A rare find for most – God’s plan for him.
Together they raised three really amazing individuals who each took after their Mother in their own ways. My Mom, Kathleen got Grandma’s sense of style and knack for decorating as well as her love of hunting down bargains. Uncle George inherited Grandma’s generosity and sense of hospitality as well as her culinary skills. Aunt Suzanne shares her creativity, her love of nature and the outdoors and her ability to bake.
Us grandchildren were fortunate to receive many of her talents and traits. Emily has her sense of adventure and kindness. Tyler has her ability to make friends everywhere he goes and her smile. Brian has Grandma’s sense of loyalty and her giving spirit. Justin received her organizational skills as well as her love of cooking. I learned her thoughtfulness and have her eyes and her faith. But the one thing we can all say about Grandma was that she loved us regardless of our missteps or mistakes. She was proud of her family and I know we will strive to continue making her proud.
Carolyn never passed up an opportunity to make an everyday moment into a memory or a life lesson and I know our family will find comfort in those remembrances. While her passing is a loss for our family she would want us to look at it as a blessing as she will now be able to watch over us at all times. With her bright smile and twinkling eyes she will be there and we will carry her in our hearts and honor her with our love for one another.
No comments:
Post a Comment