It was Christmas Day and my fiancé and I were seated at the family table writing the last of our holiday cards. Her Grandpa came over to me and asked if I could write a card for Mosca (pronounced moo-sh-ka) on his behalf.
Mosca means fly in Portuguese and it’s also considered a term of endearment. Mosca is my fiancé’s Grandma.
Grandpa spoke mostly Portuguese, but his eyes were a telling sign that he wanted me to write something special for the woman he’s stood by for the past 50+ years. I asked him a few questions about Mosca, questions that no one ever thought to ask. Being an outsider, it was easier for me to ask them and I imagine for him, to answer as well. I wrote the following on December 25th, 2018. My words were merely a vessel for what this beautiful man had in his heart.
“After 53-years of marriage Matilde, the flame of our love has not withered. With your warmth, feisty attitude, and resilience, you’ve made our house into a home. Through our careers, the family we’ve made, and all the memories we’ve shared, you’ve been not only my wife but also my very best friend. If I had to do it all over again with you, I wouldn’t hesitate. Matilde my love, cheers to this year, and many more.”
With Love,
Anand Swamy