Nonno and Nonna

In my opinion, if you don't have an Italian Nonno or a Nonna (grandfather or grandmother), you are missing out!  My grandparents are the most hilarious people I have ever met. Half the stuff they say and do shocks me on a day to day basis.

With Nonna (grandmother), the conversation is almost always about food. Whenever she calls the first thing she asks is always "Maria, hai magiato? You eat?" From there the conversation will then go to what did you eat, what time did you eat, who's home, where is everyone, and then she will say the reason she called.  Its a process, but I know she genuinely cares and wants to make sure I am not dying of starvation. I could only imagine what she would do if I said I didn't eat and that I was hungry.

Nonno is the most independent person you will ever meet. He is always up and out of the house going all over. His English is very limited, but  he always manages to get himself to and from Boston on the bus. He knows how much the T costs, where he has to switch buses, what time the bus comes, and so much more. It amazes me on how much he has done with so little English to communicate with others.

They are both very set on their ways and when something  needs to be done they need to do it their way. For example, during Hurricane Sandy part of a tree fell down in front of their house. It was a little tree and it landed on part of their lawn. Instead of letting the storm pass to take care of this small issue, my grandfather went out that exact minute to cut the tree down.  Within the family, we were not surprised at all on his actions. He wanted to get it done right then and there.

This is how they are and at times all we can do is laugh at their actions.  But at the same time, it is something to look up to (well not the part about going out in the middle of a hurricane). They have a drive that sets them apart from others and that keeps them going. Without that drive, they would not be the people they are today. Luckily with this drive, it keeps them young, lively, and full of humor for the rest of us to enjoy.