When I decided to write a special section about my sister Rose the
first thing that came to my mind was my first Christmas.
Most
of us don't know it, but after Papa died Mama went into
extreme mourning. This included not celebrating any holidays like
Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. After too many years of this
my sister Rose changed it all one Christmas. I remember we were
living at 25-16 Crescent Street, Long Island City and my guess is
it was 1950. Mama told me this one day that "Nana", (that
is what we still call her), was coming to visit. I didn't know why
she was coming, but I knew that it was unusual because she did not
visit during the weekdays very often because Mama worked everyday
in a sweat-shop. This week she was home because of the usual seasonal
lay-off.
I was by the window looking towards the train station waiting to
see her. When I did see her I saw that she was carrying a Christmas
tree and a large shopping bag.
I
ran down the street to help her carry the tree. When we got to our
apartment she and I set up the tree. It was my first Christmas tree!
Rose also
brought lots of ornaments. I remembered all the very delicate glass
bulbs with pretty pictures and designs. To this day I don't think
a Christmas tree looks right unless it has those type of decorations.
I mention
this recollection first because it says a lot about my sister. Things
were different when she was visiting us. I was always happier when
she was with us, and so was Mama.
It seems
Mama and Nana talked in Italian non-stop. Although I could understand
what they were talking about, but I just never paid attention. So
at least once a week for four to six hours on Sundays Mama had someone
special from the family to talk and relate to.
