My Ephemeral Wanderings Continue

The ephemeral wandering thoughts of which I have spoken in two other blog posts covered loved ones in Italy. I am now in England, and, specifically, London, where my mother’s two sisters and a brother lived.

First and foremost, I am in the ever loving arms of my sweet Zia Elisa, my mom’s oldest sister. All that I know of courage and resilience come from all my antenati, but my mind has always rested more on Zia Elisa whenever challenges have presented themselves in my life, and especially during the difficult journeys I have taken with my family in times of emotional and physical distress.

My aunt’s life was fraught with all the trauma of having lived in Northern Italy during World War 2, followed by giving birth to her first child who was born with Down Syndrome in a time when there was a lot of ignorance on the subject. Then there was the immigration to England, away from all that she had ever known, to losing her third child to Leukemia when Wilma was only three. She also cared for my grandparents during numerous trips back to Italy, and then eventually bringing them to England and caring for them both until their deaths.

In spite of, or maybe because of all these hardships and tragedies. her genuinely loving, kind, and empathetic spirit was never diminished, and near or far, I always felt so completely accepted and loved. I admired how she and my mother were “due corpi, un’ anima, “two bodies, one soul,” a feeling that I am honored and grateful to share with my cousin, Carla, her second born, which always makes me feel that my mom and aunt are still very present!

Next to Zia Elisa is Zio Guido, her husband, my godfather, whose demeanor was always so joyful and upbeat. I honestly cannot remember a time when he did not have his signature kind, compassionate, loving smile. He, my aunt, and cousin, Carla, cared for Antonio lovingly, and demonstrated so well that when you truly love, accept, and “see” another individual, they do thrive, and Antonio did! He was such a delightful person who loved music, magazines, and hugs! His life was not easy, and yet he was happy. I smile whenever I think of my time with him.

Across London I envision Zia Lea, my mother’s youngest sister. Her life had its challenges as well, from also living through the trauma of World War 2, to migrating to London and being the forerunner of bringing over and accommodating her sister, Elisa, and brother, Peppo, and their families. She also battled and survived breast cancer.

Zio Net, her lovely husband, was always so very kind, compassionate, and best of all, playful, and again with him as well, I cannot remember a time when he wasn’t smiling! He unfortunately died young from cancer but his spirit is still strong!

My aunt eventually moved into a smaller flat of her own where I visited her many times and spent such delightful hours listening to stories of her youth which of course included the escapades of her siblings, and she always made sure there was wine available for me! 😘 Whether I was with her physically or talking to her by phone, her voice was always strong and the love I felt was so very palpable, as it is to this day when she comes to mind . My two cousins, Claudio and Mirella, are a testament to all that was amazing and beautiful of my aunt and uncle – a gift that’s still felt and witnessed whenever I see them, talk to them or just think of them along with three amazing second cousins!

My last vision in England is of Zio Peppo, the youngest brother. My feelings and memories of him are a bit murkier and guarded as he battled his own personal mental and emotional demons. Nonetheless, he was always so genuinely happy to see me, and he would also weave stories of his youth as I listened to him, all the while enjoying a sumptuous meal prepared by my aunt. Good food, wine, and incredible storytelling always accompany my antenati as they walk with me!

England, and specifically London, has always been a second home to me, and being such an integral part of this extraordinary extended family acts as a very sturdy anchor! Though their physical presence is lacking , the strength of their love, support, and all that made them special to me still accompany me, and I only need a thought or memory to activate it all.