It is truly unbelievable that today marks 30 years since my mother, Ann Sciabarra, died. (And if you think that’s a long time, my Dad has been gone for 53 years!)
Mom passed away in the wee hours of Greek Orthodox Good Friday, April 21, 1995. At her funeral, Father Eugene Pappas of the Three Hierarchs Church declared that it was just like my mom to have died on Good Friday only to be resurrected on her name day, Easter Sunday. Her name in Greek, Anastasia, is a derivative of “anastasis,” meaning “resurrection” and all it implies: rebirth, renewal. (When Greeks say “Christos Anesti” on Easter, “Anesti” means “to rise” or “be raised up.” )
Since yesterday was Easter for both Western and Eastern churches, today’s Easter Monday carries with it special poignancy.
Mom remains very deep in our hearts and in the memories of all those who knew and loved her. She was a compassionate and loving soul. She had a hilarious sense of humor and an infectious laugh. And, boy, could she cook. Fortunately, we’ve still got her recipes for countless dishes, chief among them her singularly magnificent lasagna (and yes, that middle top photo is of Mom preparing Christmas lasagna for the family).
Below the three solo pics of Mom is one of those rare full-family photos. The photo was damaged and faded, but the memories are vivid (my thanks to my friend R Kevin Wichowski-Hill for making it presentable!). From left to right, my sister Elizabeth, me, Mom, my sister-in-law Joanne, and my brother Carl. Mom called us her “four golds.”
We miss you so much, Mom. Your love—and our love for you—is eternal.
Notablog 