I know I promised silly, funny stuff, but that's just not how I'm feeling this week. My grandfather passed away Tuesday morning after a very long illness. He and I were fairly close, and I'm feeling things I haven't felt in a very long time. Mostly helplessness, because grief is not something you can turn off. It seems ... odd, to have an internet tribute to a man who pretty much never used it, so I'll leave it at this: Joseph Petrozziello was a great man who taught me many things. Most of all, he showed me the value of hard work, determination, and what it means to have a great family. He was a man who came all the way to Philadelphia for my wedding this August, even though he was very sick, had a glass of wine and introduced himself to every person there. He was a man who greatly loved dogs, and most of the pictures I have of him are sitting with them. A man who wrote me long letters in beautiful penmanship. Although I feel I knew him well, there is so much more I would've loved to learn. I guess everyone wishes they had spent more time with a loved one who has passed. I have lost three grandparents and a close friend, and that is the feeling that comes up the most. The wish for more time, or that I had done more with the time I had.
    So, sorry for the downer post. I guess I just had to put these feelings somewhere that doesn't involve crying while hugging the dog. I promise I will soon get back to writing about the usual, such as what I'm currently failing at cooking or embarrassing childhood stories (oh so many). But for right now, I need to deal with this.