My Lovely Seamstress.

She really was the best.

My mother was the best seamstress that ever lived on earth. Very chic. I could write an entire book about her, in fact, I already did it, but this is another story.

Well, she was very smart, intelligent, active. I know, I know, Mom is Mom, forever and ever. She told us many stories and one of them was about when she lived in “Caxambú”, a nice touristic small city near here. There she learned to sew with a lady, Mrs Anita. So, every day my mom went to Mrs Anita’s house. There they cut the cloth, sewed, talked, and took care of the orders. Smart as my mom was, she soon surpassed her master. This is my deduction, of course, but she really was the best.

One day, Mrs Anita looked and looked to a patch and said:

• Zezé, look what a beautiful dress it would be if the flap was a little bigger! Have you thought about going to church with a rare jewel-like that?

Returning home, my mother took the flap with her. Like a mathematician poring over an impossible equation, she studied deeply the measurements of the flap, trying to work a miracle with that piece of cloth. She devised a very original outfit and got to work. She worked overnight. Next morning the dress was ready. She made a package and went to work at Mrs Anita’s house. When she got there she said:

• Mrs Anita, it’s for you!
• Huh, for me? What is it?

Stunned Mrs Anita saw the dress that had sprung from my mother’s efficiency and creativity. She was overjoyed, maybe it was the best gift of her life. Happier was my artist mother. She realized that giving is far better than receiving.

So my mother told me. So she made beautiful dresses for me and my sister. With teary eyes, I remember her generosity. I like to think that in Heaven Mrs Anita was waiting for my Mom there with that fantastic dress and until today Virgin Mary is sewing with them in heavenly joy.