A photo taken with Nanna Francesca at my first big Italian wedding in the 1970s. (The reception venue of the day complete with champagne glass tower, doves, smoke machine and parquetry dance floor to slide across later on!)
I have to laugh seeing Nanna Francesca and me dressed uncannily unlike here. 👀 By the time I was in my teenage years, this would’ve driven me crazy! 😄 In a way I had to come full circle over the years in my relationship with Nanna Francesca. From the comfort of her tucking me in bed (very tight!) when I stayed over and the joy of her taking me to the ‘pictures’ (where she talked loud!) – to when I was a teen fighting against her traditional, often restrictive, ways (and strong advice!) – to later, when I’d grown up, truly appreciating her.
Only then did I fully realise how tough life had been on her at times – the early griefs, sacrifices and stoic endurance that made her who she was. She gave me a love of cooking, her mother’s embroidered linens and many items for my ‘Glory box’. She also gave me true unconditional love and that is so precious to receive, for it stays with you.
Happy Mother’s day to all the mums and tight hugs to those missing their mums, grandmothers and mother figures no longer with us but whose part in our lives keeps on giving richness and love in all that they gave. Much love! Zoë x
Thank you to great-granny Maddalena who showed me about forbearance, cheekiness, growing vegetables and cooking minestrone and great-grandma Charlotte for her work ethic, kindness, growing gerberas and carnations and baking scones.
Nanna Francesca’s birth date is today, the 12th, though her birth certificate states February 19th due to its delayed lodging as her parents fought over naming her after their mothers. Tradition prevailed. She was named for her paternal Nonna in possibly the only argument won by the usually quiet, laid-back, Domenico over my grandmother’s maternal side, the indomitable Carrozza women (short, stout and strong).
Today, my Italian grandmother, Francesca, would have been 90 years old. This is one of my favourite photographs of her, taken with friends in the Botanic Gardens circa 1950s.
Zoë Boccabella 