Elida e Lea = Lovely

Colleen and Lea at Lea's Home

Eleda and I enjoying the Photos of Piegaro, Church, and Processione.

Lea waves a warm greeting from Eleda's balcony.

My friend Colleen introduced me to a lot of wonderful people in Piegaro, but to of the most warm and welcoming were Eleda and her daughter Lea.  Our congregation had joined many the world over praying for Eleda last fall when she entered the hospital for a very long stay, and being in Piegaro was my opportunity to meet this person who met so much to Colleen that she would send out for a global prayer chain.  Eleda is well worth the global prayers.
Eleda has life within her that just shines from her eyes as she gazes intently into to your own as she seeks deeper communication and relationship.  Eleda is a glowing reminder of why we must be connected to the people in our community, she fully understands the need to engage with fellow human beings.  It is not about words, it is relationship and BEING with another.  She understands why people would seek deeper understandings of the sacred, even a crazy person like myself from half a world away.  She understand the importance of the sacred in life, and seeing it in others.
This is a gift that she has passed to her family, her daughter Lea is not only so welcoming and warm in her limited English, but translates well the HEART of what the other person is saying.  Lea is also a very giving soul who was determined that with each visit that Colleen (and I vicariously) would have an Italian Lesson.  She too understood the importance of direct communication, and opening doors for these Americanas to enter...
They reminded me so much of the truly great matriarchs of the churches I have been blessed to be a part of in my life.  Women who lead by inviting and welcoming, by offering the fullness of hospitality.  Very good at setting times for visits, not just a vague "later" and keeping boundaries around their own needs, they respect all in the relationship, including themselves.  Eleda and Lea are strong women in spirit, joy, and fullness of life.
Because of my incredibly limited Spangloitaliano I found myself wanting so badly to hear their stories and knowing that will take another year.  This amazing little village where Eleda  and Lea live was effected dramatically by WWII and on this Memorial Day I wonder how greatly their lives were affected.  Eleda lived through the depression, the take-over by the fascists and through the war, and Lea grew up in the aftermath.  In the USA we get so many darn war movies that don't take into account how the locals suffered through occupation, and in some communities by multiple forces.  Piegaro has been a glass factory town since the 13th century - the disruption of industry, the disruption of life, the destruction of buildings and local government must have been devastating.  Yet, they have rebuilt city hall (blown up by the Nazis), have built a very large glass factory in the valley, and have seemingly thrived.  How was this turmoil for these lovely ladies?
In modern times as Italy faces economic hardship with the rest of the world, what kind of wisdom can Eleda share with the younger generations, now dealing with a world not unlike that of her youth?  How does Eleda share her wonderful spirit with the younger generation and her wisdom on faith?  I know her activities are so limited now, but also know she has so much to offer, as does Lea, as they have gifted me already, a stranger in their midst.
As I have returned to Seattle and listen to the wisdom of the matriarchs in our congregation in Seattle, I look forward to hearing from these amazing women in Piegaro.

Beautiful, wise, spiritual Elida. Bella!!