Songs for the Angels

RIP. Rodney “Rod” Gradnigo, 60 departed this life on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 3:53 p.m. (Pacific Time) Rodney is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Gradnigo, Jr, step-father, Lawrence Allen, grandmothers, Syrella Walker and Ruby Gradnigo.              Life has a way of challenging the way we see the next day.

I dedicate this month’s writing to my friend, Rodney, who recently died from COVID -19. Rodney’s smile always lit up his face. His generosity and eagerness to help others made him an endearing friend.

Battling COVID is not like a school sick day. Your vital signs (breathing and oxygen to the brain) battle for survival in a ventilator. Rodney did wear a mask, not as regularly as needed, and even flew to large family gatherings. With underlying conditions, such as diabetes, Rodney’s life mirrored a time bomb. Continue reading