Sunday 4 March 2012

In memory

Nonno and prosciutto

In the early hours of this morning, with my mother and me at his hospital bedside, my Nonno Nello passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer. He would have been 91 in May.

Today the family is gathering to remember him. As with any Italian family, many of the favourite memories tend to revolve around food and wine: Nonno dipping his finger in wine to give each grandchild our first taste (but no more than a taste) when we were a year old; his pride in the produce he grew in his garden ('Forty five minutes ago, that rucola you're eating was still growing! You eat bloody well here, don't you forget!'); Nonno presenting us at Christmas with the delicious prosciutto or capocollo that he made in his garage; Nonno sitting at the kitchen table helping Nonna make crostoli. Nonno holding me close as a child, calling me 'stellina' and singing 'I've Got You Under My Skin'.

Ti voglio bene Nonno. Un grande abbraccio e tutto il mio amore, da Chiaretta.

Nonno's 90th birthday

22 comments:

neil said...

Claire, I'm so sorry to hear of your and your family's loss. You're nonno sounds exactly like the sort of one all of us should have, the glue that binds us together in family.

Vintage Macaroon said...

A sad passing for you and your family. It sounds like he left you with fond memories. What an inspirational man. x

Esz said...

My condolences for your loss - He sounded like an amazing man - Making prosciutto - wow! *hugs*

Burndog said...

Sorry to hear of your loss...it appears that his strong personality shall be passed through your family for generations. Sorry ㅠ.ㅠ

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you and your family. I've enjoyed reading about your nonno on your blog. I hope your thoughts about him always end up bringing you to a place of joy and warmth.

Anonymous said...

Dear Claire, lovely memories to cherish. My thoughts are with you.

Cindy said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Claire. It's been lovely to glimpse some of your Nonno's charm on this blog.

Jeanne said...

So sorry to hear about your loss - he sounds like a wonderful man. A really beautiful post.

Zoe said...

So sorry, Claire. How lucky for your Nonno to have you and your mother with him. xx

Kat (Spatula, Spoon and Saturday) said...

Sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts are with you and your family. He sounded like a wonderful nonno xx

Natalie said...

So sorry for your loss Claire. He sounds like a beautiful person who was much cherished, as I'm sure his memory will be.

Jay White said...

Sorry to hear the sad news Claire. What wonderful memories you'll have forever.

Jay

Em said...

Such a beautiful post. I've enjoyed reading about your family and Nonno over the years. I hope that you enjoy remembering him together today and for the rest of your lives. xx

Jo said...

Such sad news for you and your family. I am sure his memory will live on with you and the food you share.

Riposi in pace x

Amy said...

Thinking of you and your family today Claire. Your Nonno sounds amazing. What a beautiful, funny man!xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing memories of your grandfather. He will always live on in your heart, and in the way you love even though he has left this world. I enjoy reading your blog and wish you all the best. Take care
Xxoo

Daisy@Nevertoosweet said...

I'm very sorry for your loss Claire. Thank you for sharing those fond memories of your grandfather with us.

Please take care of yourself and your family!

larryd said...

Buonanima Nonno Nello.
Sorry to hear of your loss Claire, condolences to you and your family.

Unknown said...

Claire so sorry to hear about your Nonno. It's great that you can remember the special things about him, and don't worry you always will. Thinking of you and your family.

Marzinho said...

Claire

Sounds like your nonno was a true gent and a lover of all things that are truly important in life - a man who will be sorely missed. My condolences to your whole family.

Beautiful blog and I like the photos you've posted, particularly Nonno with that super-hip magnet that Buster got him for his b'day!

Condoglianze.
M

Agnes said...

So, so sorry to hear about your Nonno.

claire said...

Thank you so much to all of you who were lovely enough to leave a kind comment. xxx