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Gregory Garretson's avatar

This is so beautiful, Rosana! I love the attention to detail and the honoring of the little things in life, which make up the environment we live in. You tia sounds like a lovely person to have had in your life, and I'm happy for both of you.

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

Thank you so much, Gregory!!

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Sue Weidemann's avatar

Rosana, I loved reading this. Your aunt's picture, eating the ice cream, was the best example of finding happiness in small everyday things. You've made her a lovely memory for me, thinking of her, and your father, and their childhood. And you've made excellent points. Finally, I laughed and I cried (but laughed more) while reading this wonderful memory you have shared with us. Thank you so very much!!

And it made me think of my mother's sister, who had an amazing, strange, and funny life. She was my first model of a strong woman, in a world that didn't know what to do with them. She graduated with a Ph.D from the U of Illinois long, long ago. And shortly thereafter was running around Europe with a European boy friend who had a motorcycle which they rode everywhere. She taught me how to eat an artichoke (I'd never even seen one before) and how to eat a lobster. How wonderful. And, she, second to my mother, showed me how to be independent and have fun, and to do my best to do no harm. Your memory of your aunt, is now shared with me, and it has brought back other wonderful (and crazy and funny) memories of my aunt! Thank you again!

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

Thank YOU, Sue! I love hearing about your aunt! And on the other side of our family, my mother's mother wasn't wild like your aunt, but she was one of the first women in Buenos Aires to drive a car, despite getting a lot of grief about it — men yelling at her to go home and do the dishes and such. She always worked, first as a piano teacher and then as a realtor. Come to think of it, my Nonna always worked, too, but she wasn't as much of a trend-setter.

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Dominic Tarpey's avatar

A gorgeous piece of writing and reflection....

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

Thank you so much, Dom!

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Rafael Olivas's avatar

I believe that kindness is probably a better legacy than most. But if I'm honest, I don't offer a very good example. For those who have touched me with kindness, I'm grateful and I'll keep trying to be worthy. But don't expect miracles!

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

I believe in miracles! Oh yeah ...

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Sheila Dembowski's avatar

What a beautiful tribute!

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

Thank you, Sheila!!

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Mimi Kusch's avatar

Beautiful post! So glad you had such a wonderful tia/zia. Let's go to Carate Urio!!

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

Yes!! That would be so great!

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Rebekah Shoaf's avatar

I love this! Living for today, not for tomorrow is such a beautiful reminder about what matters. Thank you for sharing your Tia’s story!

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Rosana Francescato's avatar

Thanks so much, Rebekah! I felt like this one was a bit unformed or incomplete, but sometimes you have to hit Publish. ;-) It was good to stop for a moment and think of Tia Annamaria. Even with the time and distance, I still feel she's with me.

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Adam J. Blust's avatar

Beautiful piece as always Rosana. I don’t have children and I often wonder what kind of legacy I will leave behind. I hope there is someone out there who will write a loving tribute like this about me.

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