Mama

She is 85 years old.

In her life she has seen many hardships and had many experiences, that we today are incapable of comprehending,.......but she has such strength, a stubborn determination and an openess of mind that she is able to understand the journey her grandkids are part of.

Peczuk Imrene/Kovacs Veronika;

My grandma;
My inspiration;
The link to my roots &
A link to a history that puts my life into perspective...

Boldog Szuletesnapot!

I know a picture speaks a 1000 words, but there are many words that are missing from this one that are planted in my memory...

...of her energy, looking after 5 naughty grandkids digging up the garden, as she waves the wooden spoon in our direction.

...terulj, terulj asztalka - a dining table never missing the most exquisite selection of home cooked dishes. Not to mention the pantry, which to this day is filled with delicious treasure.

...a generosity to her neighbours. Her door always open to help someone out or just welcome them in for a round of gossip over a bit to eat or drink.

...her hard working nature; growing & harvesting paprika with her family and looking after the pigs, chickens, ducks, geese & forever faithful dogs.

If it wasn't for her..., well there are many things that could finish that sentence, but I find it impossible to express in words.

All I know is that to this day I try to live my life as partly a reflection of hers. Her character, attitude and ethos will always be there in me, even if its halfway across the world in New Zealand & for that I thank her. 

I know I am not alone in wishing you a Happy Birthday Mama and have told you so over the phone when we spoke, only to be told that she has to get back to pitting the peaches for the jam she is in the process of making...

Oh boy, I thought, and immediately proceeded to tell her to take it easy, go slow and other such idioms, but you know what I realised, yes I am talking to my grandma who is 85 years old& she has always been like this, so will she change now...?

I hope not.