Brazil-Learning About Families in South America

One of the best things about NanaHood is getting to meet folks from all over the world. I have a new friend in the Netherlands (Hi Dona!) and now one in Brazil, Aline. She wrote a guest post for us today and as you can see she is a beautiful young woman. I love pen pals so if you are reading this and you are from another country, please write me!

Thanks Aline, for your post and keep in touch with us at NanaHood!

I´m Aline, I´m 29, and not yet a mommy or nana. But I am a wife, daughter, aunt and granddaughter. Let´s chalk this post up to God moving in mysterious ways and me being happy for it, so first of all, thanks for reading!

Teresa asked me to write a post about the relationship between grandparents and kids in Brazil. I´m not sure I´m a normal example, but then again, what´s normal in Family? 🙂

In Brazil we usually live at home until we get married, which varies from 18 to 40… lol. Also, there are, as anywhere, close and distant relatives, and there are those who have lunch with nana every week and those who see her once a year… I´m kind of in between.

I was raised in the USA, we lived there while my dad got his doctorate´s degree. I come from 2 very large families, my dad has 14 brothers and sisters and my mom has 8. 🙂 My grandparents lived far from us when we came back to Brazil so we weren´t that close, but on the other hand, my favorite memories include my grandmother´s (on both sides) sweets and candies made especially when we went there (I´m addicted to sugar, lol), and talking with them for hours, and just being there. So here are some memories and pictures… One of the best things about grandparents is knowing you are loved and cherished… even if you´re not there all the time.

On my mom´s side…

Grandpa had a very strong accent and lots of times I had no idea what he was saying… but he would tell you a story, laugh and you couldn´t help but join in. He was self-taught, and I think that the greatest legacy he left me is that you can accomplish the amazing if you set your mind to it and work hard. He used to eat fast and start doing the dishes even if you weren´t finished eating… something about getting the job done. 🙂 Sweet and funny.

Grandma made me what is, to this day, one of my favorite deserts. She made coconut candy and filled glass jars… I loved it! What she teaches me? Life is short, live it fully and enjoy every minute. Don´t waste too much time on what you don´t really enjoy…

On my dad´s side…

Grandpa was a strong, principled farmer. He wasn´t of many words, but had an acute sense of humor and deep honor and principles. What I learned from him? That money is to be well managed, husbands and wives should respect each other and you should love and care for your children with all you can.

Grandma is… I don´t know of a word to describe her. She´s a lady through and through, has never worn pants in her life and is as classy as they come, and makes THE BEST milk candies in the world. I´ve learned many things from her, but I´ll choose what I learned first and confirm every time I see her: you really can get more beautiful with age. 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Aline

Aline is a translator and speaks Portuguese and English fluently!

Visit Aline at http://goodrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/