Leah, here, from the Dads: Harrris and Dave. My Grandmother, Mary, is turning 87 this week, and for her birthday, the Dads are planning a very special Italian dinner party. So when my Dad, Harris, called to tell me all about some of the dishes they have in mind, I thought I might take this opportunity to share with you a little about my Grandmother and what she has meant to me in my life. Fingers crossed, we will have a video featuring her next week!
My Grandmother was born in 1927. Her father, Vincenzio, was a barber who immigrated to the U.S. from Palermo, Italy. He married her mother, Concetta, in 1924. Concetta’s family owned what’s now known as the World Famous, Lexington Market. The couple moved to New York after they married, but after the birth of their first two children, Phyllis & Mary, they returned to Baltimore for good. Vincenzio and Concetta had two more children, Sadie and Rose.
Before I started writing this, I asked my husband, Sean, what makes my Grandmother different than other Grandmothers- he just laughed. You see, my Grandmother is a character- she swears in Italian, is full of colorful phrases, and will tell you exactly what’s on her mind. At family gatherings, sometimes she will surprise a newcomer with something off-the-wall, and Sean will just smile and say “Oh, you’re new!” She’s also an avid gambler. Below is a picture of her in Las Vegas!
As all good Italians do, my Grandmother loves to give advice. For instance, when it comes to clothing, more sequins and beading is always best; and no matter what your size, you are actually a small. She taught me how to dance, and was the first to teach me the Macarena- when it was actually cool. Scary, I know! And on my wedding day, it was her heart necklace, a gift from my Grandfather, that I wore close to my heart.
So now that I’ve told you a bit about Grandmother, I have to say that we are so excited to celebrate her birthday and enjoy the meal the Dads have planned. What are some of your favorite Italian dishes? And do you have any special memories of your own grandmother?
Nice words and memories!
Well said and so true, No hesitation to tell you where it’s at. She and Max always inspired me with their love and passion for their family and each other. Happy birthday and lot’s of love Steve