Festa Della Mamma

Dear Francesco,

Today is Mother’s Day in Italy.

I know you know that.

I woke up this morning and as I went about the dishes I thought of your mother.

What a strong woman.

How she’s endured this hardship, losing her youngest son.

How she still shows up everyday caring for your father.

How strong he is too.

Last week we lay on the bed together after lunch watching Giro D’Italia, it was like watching you and he proudly told me that they continue to give him treatment for the cancer, despite his age, because they know he is strong.

I think that strength comes from you and your mother.

Such dedication.

Such loving care.

A love in action.

The tears began to fall as I thought of her missing you today.

“Festa Della Mamma."

The loss of a child, unimaginable.

I heard you say, “Phone her today."

I trusted that.

“Ciao Amore Mio!" she answered the phone.

We had a nice talk.

Me sipping my coffee in Ostuni....

Her sipping in Taranto....

You used to love her coffee, “cufica” we called it.

Everytime I go there I insist she makes it.

Now we have this ongoing ritual, sipping “cufica," two women, remembering you with love and broken hearts 💔 but finding the strength to smile, the strength to go on.

Happy Mother’s Day to every mother out there, those blessed enough to still have the physical presence of their child and those who might one day hopefully feel the comfort of the eternal love of their child.

The love that never dies.❤️