Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Avó

Image captured by the Girl Twin,while I was busy painting. 

We didn’t have the opportunity to get to know each other as well as I would have liked, but I still feel fortunate that our paths crossed for what little time they did.

I wish I spoke better Portuguese, or any Portuguese for that matter but the smile on your face and the sparkle in your eye translated better than words ever could.  And your sense of humour was never lost in translation.

As I watched you race a young boy, eighty years your junior to the elevator of the nursing home, I imagined the zest for life that must have carried you through your younger days.

And as I watched you slowly peel and cut a piece of fruit after every meal, from your own garden no less,  I knew at once both the secret to longevity and that you understood local when it was a fact of life.


And should I ever find myself in a European café, I will think of  you and remember to savour the company of those I am with and to just be. 

My Portuguese 'Grandmother' (1918-2013) and the Male Twin ~ 2008
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11 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlDecember 11, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    she sounded like a delight. that photo your daughter took is magnificent!

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  2. MeriDecember 12, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    Simple pleasures and inspiration.

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  3. LynneDecember 12, 2013 at 1:31 AM

    I really like you! Love the grandmother/son photo. The "little things" sing always!

    Gorgeous photo your daughter snapped . . . while you were painting.

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  4. AnonymousDecember 12, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    Special people in our lives ~ memories ~ loving post and great photos for Rurality ~ thanks, carol, xxx

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  5. KarenDecember 12, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    Oh that's a fabulous shot your daughter took. What a lovely picture of your gran.

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  6. Country Gal December 12, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    Wonderful post and photo ! The special things in life !

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  7. RoseDecember 12, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    Beautiful photo and and even more wonderful post! I really enjoy reading it.

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  8. LaurieDecember 12, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    The girl twin has a good eye, the boy twin is very cute and those were lovely thoughts of your grandmother. Hugs and Prayers! ~Laurie

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  9. Kim Cunningham December 13, 2013 at 7:04 PM

    Sweet post and I'm glad you have the memories that you have!

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  10. Lady LocustDecember 14, 2013 at 5:20 PM

    I am Portuguese also. Avo is g-pa and Ava g-ma. My daughter is named after my Ava. She was also a strong woman of whom I have wonderful memories. From the sounds of it, your memories are just as fond.
    Smiles,
    JoeyLea

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  11. GennyDecember 14, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful woman with a real zest for life. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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Thank you so much for stopping by the old farmhouse!