This month, as I am again reminded of Cherry Blossoms... almost 1 year since my Nonna's passing, I would like to honour her and tell you about this amazing woman I called Nonna. (Although Cherry Blossoms remind me of Nonna, she was always surrounded by Deep Pink Geraniums).
Nonna was a young bride-to-be who, in the early 1950s, travelled on a ship from Northern Italy (Giavara) to Melbourne, Australia. My Nonno migrated a year earlier and set up a life here, in preparation of the arrival of his future bride. They were married a day after her arrival. Nonna was a seamstress, so made her own wedding dress. Unfortunately, her dress was sent on a different ship, and did not arrive in time - so she borrowed a dress. To this day, (to my knowledge) her wedding dress has not been worn. My sister and I often wore dresses made by Nonna.
My Nonna and Nonno (Nonni) were devout catholics. They brought up 10 children. My mum was the first child, and I was the 2nd grandchild. I grew up when my Nonni ran, and lived in a corner milk bar in the western suburbs. I have great childhood memories of this time... often visiting when the shop was filled with children from the catholic school across the road.
I remember seeing freshly made spaghetti drying/hanging along the hallway, in a straight line, on broom handles. I also remember using their "Outhouse", which was dark, and I always hoped I didn't see spiders. I remember when they renovated their bathroom to include a toilet. We were all excited!
Our family gatherings (Christmas, Easter, Mothers/Fathers Day, etc) were often in the large lounge, or even in the actual shop front. As the family grew, they had long tables in the garage. I remember, one Christmas Day, sitting at tables in the shop front- a man kept tapping on the window because he needed milk!
Nonna took pride in her cooking, and catering for her large family. Nobody made roast chicken maryland or potatoes like her! We loved being chosen to go to the shop fridge and pick out a soft drink (soda). My 2 siblings & I always chose sarsaparilla- to many adults' disgust! Haha!
A family favourite was her Tuna Pasta- often cooked for individual visits, and ALWAYS enough to take some home.
My Nonni retired & moved to Queensland for a few years, then returned close to Melbourne. This time, in the outer suburbs. The 2nd generation of grandchildren only know this part of their lives. We of the 1st generation remember our Nonno being stressed due to his business, while the 2nd generation only knew a more relaxed, retired Nonno.
Family lunches always began with mushroom risotto & ravioli in brodo (broth). A while later, a feast was set, including roast chicken maryland, roast potatoes, various vegetables & salads...and her precious stuffed mushrooms ,(which I didn't eat!). Then... desserts, including her famous Tiramisu, fruit & other sweets... and then...coffee. Oh, and her paper thin crostoli! My favourite. She would often make it just because she knew I loved it. Nobody, apart from my brother makes crostoli like Nonna!
Growing up, we took all of this for granted. Now she's gone, the memories are truly precious.
Nonna's faith was strong, like her personality. She was devout and stubborn. We often did not agree on faith - as my parents left the catholic church and brought us up protestant. My Nonno was more accepting- he would point his finger to heaven & say to me, "I see God looks after you". Despite these differences, I know Nonna loved me dearly. She quietly had my back in life's circumstances.
From an Intercessor's perspective, Nonna was a hard egg to crack! I spent 30+ years praying for her! As I grew older, and my intercession and prophetic gifts became stronger, the burdens to pray increased. God often showed me images of her as a child sitting in His lap. He consistently showed me He had her. It didn't look that way, but I trusted Him. While she was praying I would see the light, I was declaring her salvation. The enemy knew me well, and he had no problem letting me know. Neither did I have a problem activating my spiritual authority.
A few months before she contracted covid, God showed me a picture of a glass jug. It was full of little papers, like you would place in a Thankfulness Jar. It represented all the prayers from everybody who had been praying for her over the decades. He then said, "I have all need. Now watch me work!" I can't explain how my spirit felt by those words... it was a promise and a challenge- to let go and let God.
Fast forward to June 26, 2022. That night I had arranged with my parents to visit Nonna in palliative care, the following morning. I had the urge to search Youtube for Italian worship music, to play during our visit. As I listened, my spirit stirred. Something big was happening, and I just couldn't stop streaming these powerful worship songs. My spirit wanted to keep going, but my mind told me to go to bed, because I needed to get up early.
God reminded me of another vision - the rock with dripping water. It appeared the water (prayers) would not affect the rock, but over time, the persistent dripping would eventually corrode/break down the rock. That night, God showed me the rock broken in half! What an amazing vision to go to sleep with.
Well, June 27th 2022 was the day my Nonna went to be with Jesus. She was 97 years old! I had such a peaceful sleep that night.... and awoke to a text message with the news she had passed away in the early hours of the morning. My plans to visit were cancelled. Although I was sad I didn't get to see her, I also realised that God had used me the night before. The battle had finally been won! I felt peace in knowing I had done far more for her, spiritually than I could have done physically. The peace was deep, supernatural peace.
I must acknowledge there were a few other family members who also engaged in the battle for her soul. It was a team effort. We had our individual assignments. I can only share my own experiences. I do know, during the funeral, we, the intercessors all shared that same, supernatural peace.
After 30+ years' of warfare intercession, the assignment was over. The burden was lifted. I truly believe she is with Jesus.
I want to encourage those who feel like their prayers are getting nowhere. Before asking if there's any point in continuing to pray... this war for one soul lasted many decades. But in the end... God's will prevailed. Don't give up! If God gives you a burden, He has the answer! 🦋
