On Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10:00 am, a celebration will take place in a little corner of the world of a little town, in southeastern Massachusetts.

Those of you who read this blog, know that recently our family lost the hub of it’s wheel with the passing of my sister Nan.

Spring has arrived and in this season of new life; we will gather as the Hanson Public Library will honor her life and her heart when they dedicate their Children’s Room in her name.

And thus is as it should be for it was children which shaped her life and who in turn had their lives shaped by her.

A case in point, two cases actually.

Brady, Papa and Jake

Brady is 10, Jake is 13 and Papa, well he’s older than that. They are the great-nephews of Nancy. Last December, they traveled from Florida with their immediate family to gather with their extended family to say goodbye to their great Auntie Nancy.

The week consisted of gathering in Nancy’s home where days were filled with, talking, laughing, crying, hugging and a whole lotta love. We played Monopoly and Clue,  we poured over hundreds of photos. We put together five photo posters, collages which told the story of Auntie Nancy’s life, told the story of all of our lives.  And in so doing unveiling to us all, the monumental role that this sweet gentle soul played in all of our lives.

                                                          Charley and Brady

Several days after returning to Florida Brady told his mom that their week in Massachusetts was the “best trip ever.” Mom called to tell me this and she said “Dad, we went to Auntie Nancy’s wake and funeral, we took a trip for a couple of hours to a book store and other than that, we never left the house.”

One might ask themselves, how could a ten year old, call this his “best trip ever?”

The answer is simple in its profundity…Love! The love that was and is Auntie Nancy. That love which penetrates each and everyone in the blessing of our family.

“Our connection is pure love.” A concept that is not lost on 10 year old Brady. Ah yes, “And a child shall lead them.”

                                                              Jake and Reagan

Jake is a 13 year old eighth grade student. Gathered in the church to say goodbye, he heard these words spoken about his great Auntie Nancy, regarding a small plaque which sat on her bookcase in her home.

“For the past two years as she battled her disease, she did so with a determination, hope and dignity that left those of us around her in awe and at one point simply stating ‘I’m sick of talking about it.’ And in so doing, she refused to let cancer define her, for to her it was simply a storm and there was far too much dancing in the rain to be done.”

He spent the week learning to dance.

A few weeks after Jake returned to Florida, he was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Each student was charged with the responsibility of choosing their own quote to define them.

                                                               Jake’s choice!

It is said that apples do not fall far from trees. And in fact to become a tree one had to have at one time been an apple. On Friday apples and trees will gather at the Hanson Public Library.

                       Some apples which have grown into some fine young trees.

                                                            Seven sweet apples

                                                    Apples and trees

                                                           A collection of trees

                                                                The trunk

On Friday we will gather for Nancy Cappellini Family Fun Day. We will honor the indelible mark left by her at The Hanson Public Library. There will be some tears for we miss her so, but the smiles will prevail as we will be reminded how blessed we are, for we were touched by her light and continue walk in it.

            The newest apple will be there, making his first trip to Auntie Nancy’s

We move forward with a deeper understanding, with “our connection of pure love” and with a better ability for dancing in the rain. And as I reread the flyer I can’t stop smiling, remembering that; for so many apples and so many trees, every day was Family Fun Day at Auntie Nancy’s.

Twas always thus and thus shall always be!

                 And so it is on this day, Nancy M Cappellini Family Fun Day!