eulogy
Ernest Ross Mauro
May 1, 1920- April 9, 2005
A hero in fairy tales is someone who rides in on his white horse, saves the day, and rescues the beautiful princess. Although my grandma is just as, if not more beautiful than a story tale princess, by my definition, a hero is anyone that will always be there for you, to talk, cry, laugh and rejoice about anything, anytime, anywhere, someone who reminds you continually how much you are loved, will play cards with you for hours on end, and will always have an optimistic and refreshing view of life. This is exactly the hero my grandpa was. Since I was little, I remember him joking around, playing tricks on people, “pulling my leg,” threatening to “send me to the moon” and playing countless matches of checkers and insisting he was always the victor. Looking back now, I realize how much of a victor he really was. He succeeded in life in every way possible and touched more hearts than can ever be counted. He was surrounded by people who love him unconditionally and would gladly return his attitude of constant support in times of need. This victor has been an inspiration, icon and constant source of encouragement throughout my life. Words cannot begin to do justice for the immensity of love I hold in my heart for my grandpa. I will bear his lessons of love, laughter and perseverance within myself for the rest of my life. Every situation and memory pertaining to him I can remember will guide my way through the unpredictable road of life. I will never cease to appreciate everything he has given to me and how blessed I am to have someone so amazing in my heart as my grandfather. He will never die within me. Every person I will meet throughout the duration of my life will know my grandpa and all of the incredible assets he taught me. He will be seen in each face that lights up and held in each heart that knows true love. He will always live within me and be included in each situation I have yet to embark on. As we are faced today with such a difficult time, my emotions, although mournful and melancholy, are filled with gratitude and thanksgiving, thanksgiving that such an amazing man was and always will be an enormous part of my life. So, today I thank God for putting Ernest Ross Mauro on this Earth for all of us to love and learn from and I thank my grandpa for his stubborn attitude that will never allow him to die.
Lord, please watch closely over my grandpa in heaven. Thank you so much for putting him on this Earth and teaching your lessons through him. Please be with my grandma and family during this time of need and fill their hearts with strength and love.
Grandpa, thank you so much for everything, I love you. It helps so much to know you will always be with me and I may be with you again one day. You have taught me more about life and love than I can ever thank you enough for. I hope you really enjoy heaven and make many new friends to play cards with there. I look forward to our next game of checkers, don't practice too much in heaven. I will miss you. I love you.