Dear Readers,

In this month's celebration of "Inspiring Neighbors" for Women Rising Strong, we turn our spotlight to a remarkable story of resilience and community. Anna Maria, my cousin, exemplifies the strength and fortitude that we recognize in so many incredible women who have not only faced adversity but have used their experiences to uplift those around them.

Here’s her story.

The Sprout of the Mountain

The Birth of Resilience

Talking about "Il Germoglio del Monte" (The Sprout of the Mountain) is like talking about childbirth. Childbirth is painful and laborious for both the mother and the child. And so it was for this group, born out of my own will after the death of my son Davide in a car accident, in which his friend Luca also died. Pain, effort, birth. Rebirth. A terrible pain that took over my entire existence and shook it like branches in strong wind gusts.

Questioning Life's Meaning

Did my life still make sense after this tragedy? Did daily living still have meaning? I thought about it for a long time. When the tragedy happened, the whole town of Monte Marenzo came to a halt. And as time passed, in one way or another, people expressed their solidarity and affection to me.

A New Starting Point

"I won't forget," I told myself, "I want to do something to give back for all this." One day I was in a store. There was a talking calendar on the cash register counter, the ones that have a phrase written for each day. That day, it read "When you find the strength to put a period, that period is not just the end but also your new starting point." "Imagine that," I said to myself, "just what was needed to give the decisive push."

Turning Pain into Action

Enough with crying and being sad. It was time to react. I wanted to start an association. And so, I proposed the idea to some friends. I held some meetings and embarked on the adventure.

Il Germoglio del Monte: A Seed of Hope

The name of the group is easily explained: ‘Il Germoglio’ because it arises from a seed (of pain), ‘del Monte’ because it's from Monte Marenzo, my town where I've lived for thirty years now. Trusted friends gave me valuable advice. They still follow me today, and we self-tax to have financial resources with which to promote initiatives.

The Leaven in the Dough

My intent is to be, as the Gospel says, "the leaven in the dough" to stir the town, be a positive ferment, and organize cultural, social, leisure, and entertainment initiatives. So far, we have organized concerts, theaters, outings, and have volunteered for fundraising for earthquake and flood victims, and other needs.

A Breath of the Soul

We want to be a BREATH OF THE SOUL, that is, to sprout solidarity, gratuitousness, and service to, so to speak, walk lighter on the paths of life.

The group collaborates a lot with the Parish and also with the Municipality, which I thank. And I also thank those who support me and lend a hand, because without them, all this would remain a dream. In particular, I thank Lucia and Carmelo. And Massimo for his advice.

Continuing the Journey

What can I say: will I be able to endure over time? I hope so. As long as I can, I will continue in this adventure.

It's beautiful to see happy people, having fun, being together. The good life is good for health.

 

A Guiding Star

And then... the star I have in the sky, my Davide, lives through all this. The motto is always... NEVER GIVE UP, HAVE FAITH IN GOD, IN WOMEN, AND IN MEN.

ANNA MARIA

A Reflection of Tenacity and Love

Anna Maria's story from personal loss to communal healing is not just her own, but also a mirror reflecting the strength of every woman who has faced the unthinkable and emerged with a mission to heal and connect. Her journey, marked by immense loss, transforms grief into action, reminding us that from the deepest pain can bloom the most beautiful purpose.

Share Your Story

Each of you carries a story that can inspire, empower, and offer solace. In the spirit of community and strength, we invite you to share your narratives of overcoming, of solidarity, of those moments when you rose to become an inspiring neighbor in your own right. Visit Share Your Story  and let us be the platform where your voice is heard, your challenges are acknowledged, and your triumphs are celebrated.

Let's keep sharing stories that empower us all. Because every story shared is another step towards a world where women rise strong.

Warmly,

S.A. Sterling