When asked about friends I’m sure we immediately think of people our own age, perhaps from school or work. But some friendships come as a complete surprise and a great comfort when you most need it and least expect it. Friends can flit in and out of your life like moths to a flame but a precious few will stay with you leaving an indelible mark to remind you of that special relationship.
I had just left a controlling and physically abusive relationship and although the freedom was heady, I still felt frail and fearful. Knowing I had to make an effort to rid myself of the protective shell I had grown, I accepted an offer to do some voluntary work. I was sent to East Crosscauseway in Edinburghs’ Southside to wash the common stair for an elderly couple.
On knocking,the door was opened by a smiling old man with silver hair which reached his collar and although his gait was slow, his eyes were bright and alert. He led me into the sitting room where his wife sat by the fire. “Aww God bless ye hen fur a washin the stairs fur us.” Mr. And Mrs. Pacittis’ warmth relaxed me immediately.
After I’d washed the stairs ( with the instructions “ Dinnae be too parteecular hen they’re no too dirty.”) they insisted I had tea with buttered black bread from Kleinbergs.
Mrs. Pacitti had been born in the Grassmarket, also known as Little Italy. However during World War 1 had been sent to Italy and as a result, when she returned, she spoke a wonderful blend of Lowland Scots with an Italian accent. But what I would most like to share with you , dear reader, is Mr. Pacittis’ absolute passion for and knowledge of Italian opera which he shared with me on my second visit. There seemed to be hundreds of records in his collection which he sifted through before deciding which one to choose. Mrs. Pacitti said “ Sheena’s a no wantin tae listen tae that”.
But I did.
He took the record from its’ sleeve and held it carefully between thumb and forefinger like fine china, his keen eye searching for any dust which had the audacity to settle there. After placing it on the turntable he gently lifted the stylus from its cradle and set it
on the revolving record. Then he sat back, closed his eyes and smiled as the music filled the room.
It was my first time hearing Turandot. The music entered my body and soul sweeping away the emptiness I had felt for so long. Later he explained about the three riddles Turandot set for Calaf and also taught me about tenor, alto, soprano and Castrati. But his idol was Naples born Enrico Caruso and he would weep at the beauty of his voice.
I have asked myself if perhaps they saw some need in me to hold out the hand of friendship as they did. They were in their 70s and I was in my 20s. They invited me into their lives and trusted me to share their passion for music.
I am now the age they were when I first met them and I have never forgotten them. A true friendship is like that penny you keep in your pocket . It’s tucked snugly in the corner as they are in a corner of my heart. I never thanked them for helping me take that first step into the rest of my life so I will do it now.
Mr. and Mrs. Pacitti - thank you for being my friends.