For some reason, over half of my tribute was omittited and didn't make the final printed brochure. Here is my full tribute for anybody who cares:
When I discovered that I would need to write a tribute for my grandma, my first instinct was rather different. I hesitated and I hesitated a lot. And it's not because I thought I would mess it up or I didn't want to write it, but it's because I didn't feel like I'd do it justice. The main questions I asked myself were how can I encapsulate what my grandma meant to me in her totality. What combinations of words would be enough to express my feelings towards my grandma in such a way where other people will fully and coherently understand my perspective on that amazing woman. Over time I realized that it wouldn't be possible. There are words that haven't been invented yet for my expressions are feelings towards her. So I decided in Chiemela fashion to switch it up a notch and do something else. I decided instead of trying to find a combination of words, I'd try and encapsulate my grandma best in one word. That word took me some time but I decided to go with “relentless”. There is no other word I feel would represent her best in a singular word other than being just relentless. For as long as I can remember my grandma was the most relentless person I knew. She was relentless in her discipline in raising when no one else would and no one else could. She was relentless in taking me and my siblings and cousins to school by herself when no one else could. She was relentless in her aptitude in healing the environment and making extra side cash by picking up bottles— every single bottle she saw no matter how low the amount of money because she was committed.
She was relentless in never giving up on learning. Ever. Relentless on learning a new language, teaching herself math, so much so as to tutor me in my younger days. She was relentless in teaching me discipling and right from wrong in my early days that shaped who I am today. She was relentless in her faith in god that still inspires me till this day. And above all she was relentless to her commitment to this family. She loved her family. Growing up as a kid, your idea of impact and power may be one of a wild beast or a very physically strong creature. But as you mature, you realise that the most impactful people are the people like my grandma, the ones who devote everything to things they care about. This family will change the world, and that will be a direct cause from my grandma. She has the most impact that anybody I can ever fathom. And as you grow up and you mature, you begin to understand that she did something truly beautiful. She has the most power and most respect out of anybody I've ever known. To my grandma, I love you, and I hope you knew that I, and the rest of this family did as well. Even though people may think we are separated due to intangibles like a gap in culture, language, and time, you have had more impact and connection in my life than anybody else. And, it's my job to stay relentless so your name and this family’s name will never be forgotten. I’m sure I missed some things, but if nothing else lands, take this: Thank you. I promise we will meet again. I love you.