family is like a universe

(read at Richard Russo's memorial service by his daughter, Jennifer and his grandson, Jason)

family is like a universe

they are centered around my whole world

my parents are like the sun

they light up my day

my grandparents are like the moon

they keep me safe at night 

and when the sun isn't around

they are there for me

my aunts and uncles are the planets

they surround my world with love and care

my sisters are like the northern lights 

their beauty is beyond compare

my cousins are like asteroids

they always stay near me

to be by my side when i'm in trouble

or if i need help

the rest of my family are all stars

always in my atmosphere no matter what

-poem by Jason Richard Bellissimo Jr.