everyday she waited

Every day I would go to school and everyday she waited for me to come home. She would go to church most days while I was in school but always get back home to wait for me. She would come out to the bus stop or maybe in the fall rake leaves so that I would get off and see her and start running. A giant hug would always be worth a run. She would ask me how school was always sounding so happy and proud of me. She would ask how much homework I had to do as well, making sure I was not fibbing. If there was not a lot sometimes we would play outside. My brother, nonna and I. My brother used to make fun of how I could not make a basket so Nonna would often play on my side and she actually had a strange talent for making baskets! Her technique was very different from the NBA style though. She would start with the ball under her legs and with two hands swing it right into the basket with one fast motion. She loved to play with us outside in the fresh air. When we all got older, I would come home to find her inside waiting. We would watch a bit of TV together and I would tell her about my day. She was always waiting for me, even when the Alzheimer's hit.

The door would open...
"CHI YEG?" (Meaning: who's there?)
"Its me, Stefanie"
"OHHHHHH Come up here, donga un abbraccio" (Meaning: give me a hug)

Always yelling, thats how you knew she was happy. I think about it every day as I drive home from school. I used to look forward to seeing her face and I would know she was waiting for me again. My apartment is empty when I get home, and I just cant help miss her. Wishing just one more time to have her yell for a hug or question me about school. With out that, it feels so alone sometimes.