I met this lovely, elegant lady last year on the old streets of Palermo, in Sicily. In this traditio
I met this lovely, elegant lady last year on the old streets of Palermo, in Sicily. In this traditional part of Italy, most people are very dedicated to their families and to their faith in God. Giovanna lost her mother when she was only 10 years old, during the Second World War. So she had to take care of her four younger brothers from a very young age. Later, she had herself three children. When I met her she was very worried about one of her daughter’s health, who was suffering from a critical disease. Giovanna’s life was a carousel of ups and downs. She lost family members, she lost friends, but she never lost her faith and her elegance. I guess that faith helped her finding the strength and hope, while elegance gave her a sense of normality during difficult times. When we said goodbye, after our short encounter, she took my hands in hers, she looked at me with kindness and told me something in Italian. I think it was “May God bless you.” -- source link