Giocanda, easy to love neighbor

The Bella Neighbors of 'l Antica Vetreria

Giocanda was someone I saw every day I was in Piegaro, she is the neighbor who lives in the home adjoining l' Antica Vetreria, where we were staying.  Every day she would greet us, morning, noon, and night every time we met she would shout a greeting.  There were a couple of days during my stay that she wasnt' out, she was tending her sick husband, Tito.  There was the day she greeted us, as she wept for him, we sent our love and prayers, and were touched by her sharing.
When Tito returned home from the hospital, Giocanda was so happy, even though the weather was cloudy, she radiated sunshine.  This week as Tito returned to God after a battle with cancer, my heart aches for Giocanda.  Never could you ask for a better neighbor.
In Scripture of Christianity and Judaism, in texts of Hindi, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam there are words to the effect or exactly stating "love your neighbor."  As a foreigner in a strange land nothing can touch your soul like the love of a neighbor, the care folks take in being hospitable.  I certainly love Piegaro with all my heart, but I'm realistic to know that not all the people there were good neighbors, it is not a perfect place, this is not a perfect world.  In one instance someone came to speak with me at the Caffe, but got riled when I was taking pictures of "them".  He said, "Don't take pictures of them they are Macedonians, they are not Italians."  After I pointed out that I was not Italian either, and I was taking pictures of all, he left.  Martin pointed out that he was crazy, and not to mind, but the reality is that our world has plenty of people who are not terribly neighborly.
Which makes people like Giocanda more important in our lives.  She inspires others, including myself to greet everyone we meet on the road.  All people are worthy of a greeting, an acknowledgment of the the sacredness of   all of God's people.  She reminds why we are called to love our neighbors - authentically, from where we are to them where they are.  This does not mean we will be best of friends, but rather that we are all worthy of relationship.
This day after the passing of Tito my heart and prayers are with Giocanda, who's heart was big enough to welcome this American, this foreigner.  God bless you in your mourning, may the Spirit hold you gently, may the love of Christ keep you always in care.

Giocanda, a very good neighbor!