Yes, religion is perhaps a fairy tale and this culture (the Italian culture) is imbued with it. Sometimes it makes people feel better, sometimes it makes people feel guilty (most of the time). Whatever it is, this won’t change. It will stay with us, even if we don’t “buy” it anymore, not like my grandparents bought it at least.

I’m sure they all loved to see you around.

“At another point, as we’re standing, I look at him and, suddenly, I see him as an old man, slightly stooped, bearing the weight of life. Again, I want to hug him to tell him it’s OK. I realise that, in some years he will look like this – an old man. But then, so will I. And still I love him. But, for a moment, when he seems so old, I’m frightened both for him and for me.”

I know what you mean as it has happened to me as well.