Sisters
profiles in leadership, secrets of leaderships

Lucia and Giovannina were sisters. They shared the same history, heritage, customs and ways. They had the same blood and lived in a family rich in adventure, prosperity and tradition and were raised on an island in the middle of the sea. Suddenly they parted. Lucia went to America and began a life that separated her from her loved ones for nearly forty years. Giovannina stayed behind. This is their tale of adventure. 

Lucia,
“My first memories are of her. I remember the first sights, sounds and smells of life. I opened my senses to the world and I remember her voice, her face and the sweet smell of her perfumed talcum powder. I remember her warm, secure embrace and I remember how she gently pinned the soft cotton cloth to me. I remember my eyes seeing light and colors for the first time and the lights and colors were her face. I remember the first sounds that filled my mind were tender notes that seemed like exotic music. I remember how they would soothe me and make me feel special and safe. I remember my first sweet echoes of life from Mamma.

My first words were her words… I remember how she would tuck the covers and blankets around me to make sure I was safe as I went off to sleep with the angels and would awaken to the sound of her words. I remember so much and so little but most of all I remember Mamma.”

Giovannina,
“In my mind’s eye I can still see her waiting for us at the railing. I can still see that warm, gentle figure in white, wearing a simple dress with a small yellow sweater, thick reading glasses and locks of thin white hair crowning her brilliant mind. I can still see her waiting there on the steps outside her door of that petite apartment which, for me, was a tiny “oasis” and a safe fortress… I can still see the gleam of happiness in her eyes as we would walk up the stairs to kiss and hug her. I can still see the look of love in her face and the joy of having her family once again in her arms… I can still see the look of loss as she waved good bye from that railing as we left to go on our way.”