Stories of Life

A Centenarian's Feast

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." - Mae West

Rome, with its ancient history and rich culture, was alive with celebration. The narrow streets of Trastevere echoed with the laughter of children, the clinking of glasses, and the hum of happy conversation. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the city as it bathed the centuries-old buildings in warmth. But tonight, the center of all attention wasn't the Colosseum or the Vatican. It was an unassuming, well-loved trattoria tucked away in a cobblestone alley. Inside, friends and family gathered to celebrate an extraordinary milestone-Nonna Rosa's 101st birthday.

Nonna Rosa sat at the head of the long, wooden table, her face lit up with a smile that could rival the Roman sun. Her silver hair was neatly pulled back into a bun, and her hands-once strong and nimble, now a little shaky-rested on her lap as she watched her grandchildren set the table with plates of food. The aroma of freshly cooked carbonara, the dish she had perfected over the years, filled the room, drawing people in from the street.

"To Nonna!" her eldest grandchild, Marco, raised a glass of wine, and everyone echoed the toast, their voices filled with love and admiration. Nonna Rosa chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling as she looked around the table. She had lived through a century of change, seen her family grow and prosper, and yet, through it all, she had remained the constant source of strength and wisdom.

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough," Nonna Rosa said, her voice soft but clear, quoting one of her favorite sayings. Her words hung in the air for a moment, resonating with everyone present. They knew she had lived by this mantra every day of her life.

Nonna Rosa had always been a woman of resilience. Born in 1923, she had seen the world at its worst and its best. Her childhood had been marked by the struggles of war, yet she had never allowed hardship to define her. She had found love, lost it, and rebuilt her life time and time again. But what had always remained constant was her love for cooking and her determination to provide for her family.

At the age of 50, when many were thinking of slowing down, Nonna Rosa started her carbonara business. She had always been a gifted cook, but it was her special recipe that had brought her fame in her neighborhood. Word spread quickly about her trattoria, where locals and tourists alike would queue for hours to get a taste of her creamy, perfectly seasoned carbonara. And the money she earned wasn't just for herself. Nonna Rosa used her earnings to support her children and grandchildren through school. Her hard work had helped her family thrive, and she had watched them grow into successful, happy individuals.

As the dinner progressed, stories of Nonna Rosa's life were shared around the table. Her children, now with families of their own, recounted memories of her strength and perseverance. Her grandchildren spoke of her wisdom and her unwavering support. Every story, every memory, painted a picture of a woman who had lived a life full of purpose and joy.

"Nonna," Marco said, sitting beside her. "Tell us about the time you decided to start the trattoria. I've heard bits and pieces, but I want to hear the full story."

Nonna Rosa smiled, her mind drifting back to those days. "Ah, it wasn't an easy decision," she began. "Your Nonno had passed away, and I was left with three young children to care for. Money was tight, and I knew I had to do something to keep us afloat. But I didn't want to just make ends meet-I wanted to create something that would last, something that would help you all."

She paused, taking a sip of water. "One evening, I was making dinner for you kids, and as usual, I made my carbonara. It was nothing fancy, just the way my mother had taught me. But that night, something felt different. As I watched you eat, I thought, 'Why not share this with the world?' So, I decided to open a little place, just a few tables at first. I didn't know if it would work, but I had to try."

Her voice wavered for a moment, and she smiled wistfully. "There were days when I thought I wouldn't make it. The competition was fierce, and people were hesitant to try something new. But slowly, word spread, and people started coming. And here we are, more than fifty years later, still cooking, still sharing meals with the people we love."

The room fell silent for a moment, as everyone absorbed her words. Nonna Rosa had never been one to boast about her achievements, but tonight, surrounded by her family, she allowed herself to reflect on her incredible journey.

"Nonna, do you ever regret anything?" one of her younger grandchildren asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Nonna Rosa chuckled softly. "Regrets? Oh, child, we all have regrets. But I've learned that dwelling on them does no good. Life is about moving forward, about finding joy in the little things. I've made mistakes, but I've also had so many wonderful moments. If I had to do it all over again, I would."

The night continued with laughter, music, and more food than anyone could eat. The trattoria was filled with the sounds of celebration, and outside, the Roman night unfolded in all its beauty. But inside that small restaurant, time seemed to stand still. For a brief moment, the world outside ceased to matter, and all that remained was the love and warmth shared by a family.

As the night drew to a close, Nonna Rosa's eldest daughter, Maria, approached her. "Mamma, you've done so much for all of us. You've taught us how to live fully, how to appreciate the beauty of life. We wouldn't be where we are without you."

Nonna Rosa smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "Ah, Maria, you give me too much credit. I just did what I could, what I had to. But seeing you all here tonight, seeing how happy you are-that's all the reward I need."

Maria leaned down to kiss her mother's cheek, her eyes misting with tears. "You've done more than enough, Mamma. You've shown us how to live a life well-lived."

As the guests began to leave, Nonna Rosa sat back in her chair, watching her family say their goodbyes. She was tired, but it was a good kind of tired-the kind that comes from a day well spent. She had lived a full life, a life filled with love, hardship, and triumph. And as she sat there, basking in the warmth of her family's love, she couldn't help but feel grateful for every single moment.

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough," she whispered to herself, a contented smile spreading across her face.

And for Nonna Rosa, once had certainly been more than enough.