My Grandma Louisa Abbruzzi,by Louise Annarino,1-18-2013
She brought me warm peaches
juicy pinks and yellow
from the fruit man’s cart –
just because I loved peaches.
She called me in from play
when my cousin tormented me
with threats of abandonment –
just because I needed acceptance.
She shared a nap with me
when no one would answer my questions
so she could tell me her stories –
just because I wanted to know.
She sang Neapolitan love songs
as I danced about the kitchen
on rainy days –
just because I needed to move.
She stroked my face
with hard, callused hands
worn rough tending ten children –
just because I needed soothing.
She grabbed my “rosie cheeks a la la”
and kissed me soundly,
painfully and laughingly –
just to make me giggle.
She dried my tears
with the hem
of her threadbare dress –
just because I treasured her comfort.
She spoke little English, but
she spoke the language of love.
I knew her only 8 short years.
I shall love her forever.
annarino writes 
Hi Louisa Annarino!I loved your posts!We are Maria Ibarra grandsons She was sister of the Luisa Ibarra/Abbruzzi your grandma.Maria Ibarra arrived to Brazi and lived with her father in S.Carlos to marry with Second Ottoboni my grandfather.Im found the doc Ellis Island of the entry Luisa in USA than Angelo Abbruzzi and Sue asked chance someone found. What is your and email them want to send you some pictures of your grandma’s sister Luisa
Hello, cousin. What a delight to read your comment. I have wondered all my life about our family in Brazil. My mother told me she would write letters for my Grandma Louise in Brazil, but Mom could not recall her name or address by the time I was old enough to ask about it. I would love to see photos of your Grandma Maria. Grazie!
My email address is lannarino@columbus.rr.com.
I have added your address to my address book and will send you a photo of Louisa.