One of Six Sisters Who Have Meant the World to Me is Now Gone....

My Zia Anna, or as my daughter used to refer to her as "the smiling aunt" passed away yesterday.

Fabio 2135 3451 Zen2016 Italian Trip
August 22 - September 18
Mandanici and Rome

Those of you who know me well, understand my passion for visiting and documenting the life I've been apart from, and that has been lived by my family in Italy and Sicily. Four thousand miles is quite a distance, but I have made it a point to visit at least every 2 years. Memories and the personal relationships that I have connected with my family are so precious. My large Italian family is my greatest treasure and I miss them greatly in the off years that I cannot visit. Thank goodness their are apps to keep us connected.

Three years ago I was able to spend six glorious days in Rome visiting my Zia and cousins. We talked for hours and ate great food together. This was the very last photo session I had with my Zia, but this photograph has captured her goodnatured spirit and her soul. Even though she has been homebound for many years and relied on the help of family and a caregiver, she never lost that smile and her laugh always warmed my soul.

There aren't enough words to say how much she will be missed. I have never been able to thank her enough for all the meals she has prepared for myself and my children or for all the conversations we've had. She is not only mine, but a treasure to those who knew her. No longer will she suffer from old age and immobility, but hopefully she rests peacefully in heaven surrounded by her husband and son.

This image was made by the natural light of a Roman afternoon. Zia was at the doorway of her balcony, and the soft light that was bouncing from the other buildings made it a perfect soft box to capture her beautiful features. A darkened kitchen is obscured in the background. Shot with a Nikon D810.