Concepcion (aka Concha or Connie) was the youngest child of Isidore Fierro and Sofia Terrazas Fierro. She married Frank Medeiros in Texas and moved to Fall River, Massachusetts. Together they had 5 children: Frank Jr., Manuel, Theresa, Corinne - (my Mother) and Isidore. A loving and devoted Mother, she lived and breathed for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A fabulous cook, she started her work in the kitchen before the sun came up, and after the little ones were in bed, she would return to the kitchen to prepare for the next day. Nana never learned how to drive a car, but instead would walk to most places she needed to go. Every morning would find her walking with the dog(s) to the farmers market several blocks from her home, to get the days freshest fruits and vegetables, and spend a few minutes chatting with the old store owner about the weather or how good God was. She spent her days making sure those around her felt comfortable, loved and well fed! My Nana wore a simple dress, stockings and an apron every day of her life (and a lace "kerchief" on her head when going to Church). And since God was the center of her universe, she went to Church every day, and she walked there, no matter what the weather: cold, rainy, snowing.... she said it was nothing compared to what God did for her! She cleaned continuously (even if things didn't - and usually didn't... need to be cleaned), and always had a dish cloth either over her shoulder or tucked into her apron strings. Nana always found time to sit and play with us children, whether it was pretend cooking outside in the sandbox, telling us fabulous stories, coloring, reading to us, or playing Hide-And-Go-Seek. All the kids in the neighborhood wanted our Nana as their Grandmother! Animals would seek her out because she would save scraps for the strays of the neighborhood, and birds of all sorts would line her windowsills waiting for their treats. Nana always made sure the indoor, as well as the "outdoor" animals always had food and fresh water. In the summer, she would place ice cubes in the animals water dishes so it was cool and refreshing for them. That's just the way she was. Nana was a devout Catholic who not only prayed the Rosary every day, she would pray for all the family members by name, and then friends by name, and then "everyone else", (including animals). Sometimes while she was cleaning or cooking, I would see her lips barely moving, and when I asked her what she was doing, she would say, "Talking to God". Her gardens blossomed under her loving care, and she shared her harvest as she shared of herself. I don't think I ever saw Nana's windowsill without at least one avacado pit sprouting a plant in a little juice glass propped up with toothpics! My Nana had a keen sense of humor, and despite many difficult times in her life, she always had a smile on her face and could easily put one on others'. She LOVED to laugh, and I loved to watch her laugh... she'd toss her head back and out would come the most delightful giggle. Nana always smelled of soap, fresh air and a hint of flowers. Always. Whenever I would hug her, and I did so at every chance, I remember just wanting to inhale her, she smelled so wonderful. And her hands - how I loved them. Her fingers were knarled with arthritis and had worked hard every day of her life, yet they were as smooth as velvet. Her hands were so soft and warm, and their touch could instantly warm the coldest heart. On the occasion one of us Grandchildren would get sick, Nana was right there doting over us and praying us back to good health. She'd make us special teas with herbs from her garden and a bit of honey, and put "hotpacks" on our chests to break up congestion. Then she's rub our feet until we fell into a blissful sleep, feeling the energy of her love around us. She was sweet and kind, honest and true, loving and compassionate; and harsh or loud words never passed her lips. She managed to find the good in all people and was loved by all who knew her. She had a heart of gold and the patience of a Saint. I believe she was one. My Hero, My inspiration, My Nana.
I love you. Your Chrissy xxx