Friday, May 22, 2009

Molfettan Faces - Lina

Lina is a member of my husband's family. She is not a blood relative, but she has been an integral part of the family for the past 45 years. She was the cleaning lady, but at her age and after a double bypass, she's not up to more than washing the dishes. And she only does that because otherwise she might feel like she wasn't being "useful."

For more fascinating details about Lina's life (a Greek tragedy, if there ever was one), click on this link and then scroll down to Thursday, May 18, 2006.

12 comments:

Ann said...

My goodness, what a story. I can understand why she is so protective of your husband's family. She has such a beautiful face.

That is the chicken said...

Fascinating...I am always amazed by the stories older folk have to tell. They somehow seem to reach back into the dark ages so often.

Julie said...

Extraordinary, Saretta. What evil human beings foist each upon the other!

This is a remarkable portrait and a compelling narrative.

VP said...

Probably Lina's photo isn't that much, but this is not your fault. Anyway the story of this poor woman (absolutely believable) is worth one thousand images.
Thanks for the link to Lina's life, you wrote it so well that the sad become grotesque and funny.
Say hello to her from Tuscany, if she has a vague idea where Tuscany is...

B SQUARED said...

A fascinating woman.

Historelli said...

What a story!

Sara, i have one question. How is it that she can neither speak Italian nor the local dialect?

Does she have learning disabilities?

thanks,
Mauro

Tinsie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tinsie said...

Great portrait and an amazing story! What a lot must Lina have gone through in her life...

Clueless in Boston said...

Her life story reads like a couple of movies; but so sad for real life. You would never know the troubles the poor woman has had by looking at her. She has borne her troubles well.

I'm enjoying your Molfettan faces series and waiting for you to begin on real strangers:)

Ming the Merciless said...

Poor Lina! Sometimes, life just isn't fair, is it?

It's amazing she can still smile after all that has happened.

Chuck Pefley said...

I'm glad you decided a while back to do locals portraits. A more worthy project I can't imagine. Your MIL must be quite a lady -:)

Adam said...

It looks like a pretty timeless photo - and yet isn't that a mobile phone around her neck? But then she is Italian I guess!