December 27, 2013
Early Christmas morning, Ignazia G., born in 1915, welcomed my husband and me into her home. I had come bearing this photo of her.
I’d snapped it back in November, startled by such a vision of deep calm.
When I hand it to her, Ignazia’s magnificent eyes blink on and off. “She looks like me!”
“She IS you, Signora.”
“Really?” She breaks into a giggle. “But I am not Signora. I am Signorina. I had a fidanzato once.” Her eyes are suddenly looking far away and she pulls her shawl closer. “He went to America. He wanted me to go with him, but I was afraid.”
So gentle Ignazia lived out her life next door to a parish church in Sicily, where she threw herself into keeping church floors polished and teaching all the little Antonios and Antonellas the rules of their religion in catechism classes. She is proud of her story.
Church bells shatter our conversation, and Ignazia hands us a bowl of candy. Then off we go, chewing on lemon drops, with Ignazia in our hearts.
***
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Jann, Ignazia is beautiful! Her face exudes joy and in spite of not having followed her fidanzato, I believe she has fulfilled her life’s mission! I wish I could say, “Call me signorina!” ha! Happy New Year, my friend! 🙂
Taking the bitter with the sweet, as in a lemon drop, and turning it in to something to savour. May you find many more such sweet moments and photo ops in the year ahead, Jann!
Ah, Lynne–you’re so clever. Love the bittersweet lemon drop. Perfect.
Such a beautiful story! Sad, but uplifting at the same time. I wonder how many young women were too afraid to leave Europe for America with their beloveds? Happy New Year, Jann!
I’m sure a lot of Sicilian moms tried to keep their daughters home, given how many Sicilian women I’ve met whose moms did not allow them off the island for university studies! xxxx Happy New Year, Debbie.
Oh, she moves me and so do you, dear Jann. Happy New Year!
Thank you Narelle. Buon anno!
One sentence tells her life story. Can any of us do the same?
Vicki
Vicki, you make a good point. 🙂 My life is more like a lengthy dime novel.
Ciao, Jann, Thank you so much for your wonderful stories, the drama and love inspire’s all of us with joy, thanks again and have a healthy, happy New Year.
Ciao John–Tanti auguri a te! Still waiting for you to show up in Ibla. Maybe 2014 will be the year??
Jann, I told you this already but I love your work, pictures and comments, very precious moments of life. Buon Anno Nuovo! Maura
Buon Anno a te, Maura, e grazie tante. xxxx
What a beautiful signorina.
Isn’t she just?? Tanti auguri, Debra. xxxxxx
Such a bittersweet story! Think of all the little lives she touched, though. I hope her life gives her joy.
Yes, she seems really proud of her accomplishments, especially with the kids. Thanks for stopping by, Evelyn.
such a tender little moment, a life of regret….who really knows life is like that xxx
Ignazia didn’t really say that she regretted her decision. Perhaps her longevity is due to avoiding the stress of a husband and the New World? 🙂 Happy New Year to you all, Lisa!
O my goodness Jann…..so unexpected…. but I don’t think we can say whether it’s sweet or sad. Just real. I would hope and imagine la signorina has lived her life on her terms and she looks so bright and happy… xx
Yes, Janine. That’s real life. Full of choices, compromises… Have a wonderful 2014! I look forward to more of your sweet blogging! xxxx
The photo and her story are so touching I sat back and absorbed the moment. Thank you both for the story and the story teller.
Tom, thank you so much for your very sweet comment, and for looking at my blog.
Buon Natale Jann- your photos touch my heart. Ignazia ‘s beauty shines.
Thank you Sue. Your comments inspire me so much. Buon Anno & Tanti Auguri!
She is so beautiful! She probably does wonder “what if..” but I’m thinking she has probably made a wonderful life for herself without her fidanzato just the same. Buon Natale to you Jann and all your family, from frozen NB!
Ciao to you and yours in “frozen NB,” Cathy. It touches me that you’ve been such a faithful reader and commenter. Thank you for your support. Yes, I agree with you about the Signorina. She did just fine without him–still strong at 98!
That photo must have been one of Ignazia’s more unique Christmas gifts. What a nice surprise for her!
I think she was quite surprised, Sam, especially since she didn’t really seem to remember that I had been by a month earlier to take her picture.
Una storia triste. These stories are also part of the fabric of migration, those that did leave their paese, sometimes to marry men who were strangers. Ignazia’s generation are slowly disappearing. So good to capture this moment.
Yes, Francesca–all that Sicilian migration really tore people apart. Sicilians wax so nostalgic about uncles, cousins, brothers, etc who went off far away and were never seen again.
she is a wonderful woman. A history.She looks like one of my aunts who passed away in 1977.Long live signorina.Long live. Merry Christmas to you all local people ,Jann.
Happy New Year, Cemal!!!! Thank you for reading my blog and leaving your always-sweet comments. xxxxxxxoooooooo
I love that you have a knack for capturing the heart of a moment. Such a reminder to live life boldly and with passion. I want to give her a hug.
Rosann, thank you for inspiring me with your comments. I want to give YOU a hug. xxxxx Tanti auguri, bella.
what a lovely story about a glorious woman + thank you. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Peggy, many thanks to you for your super-sweet comments throughout the year. May you have a wonderful 2014. xxxx
Her story teaches us to be brave and grab life with both hands – with no fear. No matter how sweet, you have to wonder if she doesn’t often think, “I wonder what…” I don’t want to live my life that way. She is so beautiful.
Yes, Nan, she must sometimes wonder what if. But she seems content with her lot. May you have a very happy 2014, Nan. xxxxx
Buon Natale e Felice Capo d’Anno!
Altretante, caro Angelo!
I hear the church bells.
I smell the floor wax.
I believe Ignazia is joyful…even though her story is sad.
Love to you, sweet beautiful Jann.
Love your comment, as always cara mia. Happy New Year, gorgeous Kim.
That is such a touching story
Sandee–thank you. Happy New Year and have a wonderful time in Tanzania!!! xxxxx Much love to you all.
What a sweet and sad story
Nancy, have a wonderful 2014 and thank you for your lovely comments throughout 2013. xxxx