Dear Readers,

Welcome to a heartwarming journey into the past, brought to life through the cherished memories of a granddaughter. Today, it brings me joy to share with you an essay by Anna Maria that paints a touching portrait of her beloved Grandma Augusta. This piece is a celebration of the humble giants who shape our lives without even realizing it. Grandma Augusta's story is filled with the simple, yet profound acts of love and resilience that make grandmothers so special to us all. As you read, I invite you to reflect on the quiet strength and unconditional love that grandmothers offer, reminding us of the lasting impact they have on our lives.

GRANDMA AUGUSTA

I can still see Grandma Augusta hunched over her prayer book, in front of a candle lit on the bedside table in her bedroom, rosary in hand. Or I see her drying the silverware: that was her job when the years were many, and she couldn't do much else.

When I was younger, she was always busy cooking many specialties with love in front of the stove: polenta, roast chicken, delicious minestrone, apple pie.

She understood me with just a look, Grandma did, when I came home from school and ate lunch alone that had been prepared. She was always there to keep me company, to tell me her life stories, and to give me advice. A good and gentle woman who, over the years, suffered a bit from her handicap: being somewhat deaf. Then it was my task to repeat what she hadn't heard well.

She suffered silently, Grandma did, for the son she had lost at the age of two, whom she still remembered with great affection. She was patient with Grandpa, who was a bit grumpy, and lovingly prepared his clothes and laundry for his bath on Saturdays. She sewed, ironed, knitted: her specialty was making socks.

She was very welcoming and remembered everyone, birthdays, distant people. I remember at Christmas and Easter she had me write greeting cards to relatives or letters to her sister-in-law nun and relatives in California.

In the evening, I had the habit of studying in bed and she would inevitably come into my room to tell me, "Enough now, sleep, you've studied enough."

We took trips together, always to sanctuaries, to the Madonna of Castelmonte and, very beautifully, to Lourdes. And then, when I got my driver's license, I took her to mass every Sunday, and for her, it was a gesture she appreciated a lot.

Grandma Augusta taught me many things, but above all faith, not by words, but by example. Her testimony as a woman both fragile and strong at the same time has greatly helped me in my life. Her wisdom is still a vivid memory in me, and I think, also in all my cousins and siblings.

Anna Maria's touching tribute to Grandma Augusta invites us all to cherish the loving memories of our own nannas. Every grandmother's story teaches us special lessons and shares emotions that touch many generations. Now, I'd love to hear about the grandmothers who have touched your lives. Have you had a Grandma Augusta in your life? What special memories and teachings has she left you with? Share your own stories of grandmothers' love, wisdom, and legacy in the comments below, or visit this link to write a more detailed account. Let’s celebrate these incredible women together, honoring the light they have brought into our lives.

Warmly,

S.A. Sterling