To the women in my life, symbols of true strength and love
I’ve been meaning to write about the power of women for years. What better day than today, 8th of March?!
What better way of doing it than by honouring the women in my life, who had great influence in my character and formation?!
First off - my Nona Zafira, what a powerful woman! Born in Crete, Greece in 1915 and owner of a hugely loud laughter, she raised an amazing family amidst the horrors of WWII and despite having lost 19 relatives to the war. Anchoring in Brazil in 1957 to restart her life with family, she learnt how to speak Portuguese in the markets by asking the names of fruits and vegetables along the stalls, always with a big smile and the kindest pair of vivid googly eyes I’ve ever seen.
Nona also helped raise me and my siblings while our parents were working. I owe her at least half of the human being I am today. She knew how and taught us to put ourselves in the others’ shoes, always taking a stance at understanding people with an open heart, regardless of their skin colour, race, religion, culture, social status or nationality. She’s one of those I miss everyday, but am sure she still looks after us. Se agapó poly, Nonamu!
Another powerful Greek lady, a polyglot warrior - my Mum, Kelly. Born in 1941 at a hospital that had holes in the walls perpetrated by German bombs, Mum speaks Greek, English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and is currently studying Hebrew. She taught me there’s always another side to the coin - how to see the positive aspect in something apparently negative.
Owner of a vibrant voice, she taught us the love for music, how to appreciate and respect melodies, lyrics and people from all corners of the globe. Mum went to uni for the first time in her 60s and proudly graduated in Music Therapy. She sings freely and unapologetically to express her emotions and to support people in need.
She also taught us the importance of eating healthy food. I mean really healthy - brown rice, veggies, salads, grains and a little meat. She even started and ran a lacto-ovo-vegetarian restaurant when I was a teenager at uni - yeah my first official job was THE dishwasher.
“Little sis” Eliane is next. Born in the 80s when I was eight, she came to start softening my heart and grew to become the family pillar, specially after I moved overseas. An avid traveller and friend-maker, she’s an expert in tourism in the African continent. She keeps teaching me about huge strength which is on par with the previous two generations.
One of the most loveable humans I’ve met, sis is a patient listener and learner, abilities I also strive for.
My gorgeous wife - Tatiana - is another amazingly powerful woman. Granddaughter of Polish - who also landed in Brazil for a restart - and daughter to first-generation Brazilians, she’s the kind of person with who people share their deepest vulnerabilities in the first five minutes of conversation after meeting her; no joke!
Educated in Brazil, US and Australia, she’s an incredible Arts Psychotherapist whose skills and sensibility helped and keeps helping hundreds of people of all ages and walks of life. She taught and keeps teaching me about being a flexible husband, father and human being.
She also taught me about the importance of looking after our mental health, which (I learnt) is as important as our physical health. Big lessons I learnt in the last couple of years!
Last, but not least, is beautiful Alice. My daughter teaches me, every single day, about unconditional love. She also teaches me that, despite the influence that parents do have on their kids, they are capable to make their own choices since very little.
An incredibly smart and sensitive bilingual girl, she loves getting people together. She introduces existing friends to new friends, creating inclusive crews to chat, play and dance together.
An opinionated, caring and curious girl, Alice is full of personality, strength and love to share. Her cuddles not only soften my heart but also help me absorb the punches life throws at me.
Great posting !!