Thursday, March 8, 2018
I smile as I remember Aunt Mafalda giving me my first taste of Italian coffee. She served it in tiny cups with little flowers on them. It tasted awful, but I pretended to like it. I remember the plastic covers on the furniture and asking my dad if it was okay to sit on it. I remember visiting her and Uncle Mike and sitting in the backyard garden on No Allen street picking vegetables. Even though she did not speak much english, we understood her kind smile and funny wit. I also remember her making pastiera each Easter for our family. It was one of my mom's favorites. She was a huge comfort to my dad after my mom passed. He looked forward to visits with her each week for coffee. I did not see her much in recent years, but I enjoyed seeing pictures on Facebook with her family celebrating holidays and birthdays. She will truly be missed, but she is finally with her husband again after 27 years. Her son Sammy too and many others from the family. I am sure there is a huge pot of pasta boiling right now getting ready for dinner. She will soon be saying "Mangia, Mangia". Sending love and hugs to heaven for all.
