From Grandmother to Granddaughter: Ti voglio bene
I wrote this in IT TAKES A LIFETIME: Nonna’s wedding ring, the band she never took off, was cradled in the hollow of her wrinkled palm. It had been on her finger for over sixty years.
“T’is is for you. My husband is a poor man in Rotondella when he give it to me. It is not very dear, but it is real gold. I want t’at you remember me.”
She threaded it onto the ring finger of my right hand. The ring fit perfectly. I turned the gold circle round and round until it blurred as tears filled my eyes.
“No. No cry, and no be sad. Non essere triste, Nonnared. Ti voglio bene.”
Ti voglio bene; I knew these words. Nonna had taught me that ti amo was only for husbands and wives. From parent to child it is ti voglio bene: I want the world for you. I want all good things for you. For you, I want only the best.
My refection: With this transfer of her ring—a symbol of her never-ending love—I understood the true significance of ti voglio bene. Still today, I wear her ring with reverence and tenderness. She is with me as my protector and guide.
Something to think about: Objects can take on great significance after someone we love passes. I remember when a young child at our school lost his dad. He wore his dad’s belt with pride. Do you have such a remembrance? Something that brings someone close?
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