08/05/2020
We are here to share the stories that embody the definition of love. Swipe to read Livia Marati's story (.m__ ) story about love. ⠀
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-In Loving Memory of Zia Maria-
Growing up, my Italian aunt, Zia Maria, always had a way of helping me integrate and get in touch with my Italian roots. One interaction in particular always sticks in my mind as a way that shared experiences can break down language barriers.
One summer, while I was living in Rome, Zia Maria, decided to introduce me to an Italian girl around my age. But this was no ordinary new friend introduction. For our first time meeting, we met at a park, with an Italian/English dictionary in hand, and spent the afternoon walking around together - me speaking in English trying my best at broken Italian and her speaking Italian trying her best at broken English. Both a little nervous at first, but understanding and incredibly forgiving of the language barrier.
So there we went, speaking two different languages, but somehow completely understanding each other. Surprisingly, there are many things that don’t require a language dictionary like enjoying ice cream, people watching and talking about boys. Zia Maria picked me up that afternoon, elated to see that we had made it through the day. It was part of her plan to show me that I actually understand more than I think, and that sometimes it takes being out of your comfort zone to learn that. That day will always serve as a reminder of how sometimes human connection and friendship need no translation. - Livia Marati, founder of Ina Wellness Collective ( ).
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@ Rome, Italy