Sisters

Sisters!

My maternal grandmother was one of five daughters (plus she had brothers).

My mother was one of five daughters (plus she had brothers).

I am one of five daughters (minus any living brothers).

And so it goes.  I have two remaining sisters: Nora Brown, née Onofria Brunogallo, and Zina Brechbill, née Vincenza Brunogallo. Nora was named Onofria after my paternal grandmother and Zina was named Vincenza, the feminine form of Vincenzo, my maternal grandfather. Nora and Zina are the only sisters I have in this world.

We had a great time together in both Maryland and Delaware (Zina’s sons and their families live in Delaware). Below are some photos from my Sister-Time last week. I’ve also included some snippets of conversations. I guess you’ll just have to guess who may have said what!

“Look how small your fingernails are! I wonder who you got that from?”

“That’s mom’s apron you’re wearing. You look so much like her.” Silence. “I miss her so much.”
“You got mom’s sweet tooth.”
“You got mom’s green thumb.”
“Stop making me laugh! My stomach hurts!”….and we laugh and we laugh and we laugh.
“We have the same sense of humor.”
“Here. Wear my shoes. We have the exact same shoe size!”
“I love yoga.”
“Yeah, me, too.”
“Yeah, me, too. It’s such a part of my life.”
“You sound just like mom.”
 “Yeah, that’s something mom would say.”
“OMG! Turn it up! Toni loved this song!”
“Dad loved that movie.”
“Do you remember when…. ” (again and again and again)
“Can I have one of your moonstones? I’ll trade you for this wishing stone.”
“You used to have a big wrinkle right there, just like mine. How did you get rid of it?”
“Lemme see that picture you just took! Delete it! I hate it! I hate how I look in it!”  (Delete. Delete. Delete.)
“Don’t let little Bella fool you! Just the other day, she killed two birds. Awful! Just awful!” (photo of sweet Bella below)
If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people. -Thich Nhat Hanh
Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. -Gail Buckley

By Fran Gallo

READ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: FRAN GALLO

19 comments

  2. Such wonderful and fond memories you have. This was such a wonderful post! I love that the three of you are so close inspite of the distance that separates you.

    1. Thank you, Lena. Yes, even if we live far away from each other, we often talk on the phone and even do yoga together. Hope you and your family are doing well. love from Fran

  3. Fran, You are so fortunate to have sisters. I don’t have any biological sisters and only one out of 10 female cousins. But I have created my own Ya YA sisterhood that when we are together feels like a warm blanket wrapped around me. Female friendships are necessary to well being as a woman. Loved this share of yours. Hope you are well and Ric is still writing poetry. Miss you classes but I am teaching myself now as a retirement job and it gives me such joy. Creating community in the political climate we are in is so important.

  4. This is so beautifully written Franny! The three of us have a very special bond like no other, for which I am so grateful! During life’s highs and lows, hurts and Joys we are always there for each other. Love you both so much! What a wonderful week of fun, laughter and joy we had together. Oh, I’m happy we wear the same size shoes, thanks for letting me borrow yours.

  5. Coming from someone with no siblings, but beloved parents, now also deceased, that is the loveliest post Fran ever. Really spoke to my heart. Thank you for always knowing how to capture ‘it’.

    1. Thank you, Linda! It is one of those posts that speak to everyone, whether you have sisters, siblings, or not. Your words mean the world to me. Namaste, Fran

    1. Thank you so much, Tina!! I love these two women so much. They are such a part of me. Their families are wonderful, too. I loved writing this post!

  8. I think this may be my favorite post you have ever written…and you write so beautifully. The peek into your time with your sisters, the snippets of conversations… (bet you said ‘stop making me laugh. you’re making my stomach hurt). I felt I was a part of your time with your sisters. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Thank you, Kay! The words and snippets of conversation just spilled out! Helps to be in the wilderness with time to watch the leaves sway in the wind. This sacred spot in Stehekin stirs my creative mind. So happy you wrote what you did and I love that you felt you were a part of my time with my sisters. Anyone who has sisters would relate to our time together. I feel so fortunate to have them in my life!

  9. Wow, Fran. Powerful!! So glad you had a great time with your sisters. You are all so beautiful!

  10. I love this so much! You are so lucky to have your sisters. I hope to see you all on a trip to Italy someday day!❤️❤️❤️

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