Laura Phillips
With a heavy heart I'm having a cup of demitasse (pot and tiny cups given to me by Maria) in honor of my friend Maria who was larger than life to me, had such tenacity and owned who she was! Being that she came from Italy as my Great grandparents did, we had that connection from the start. I loved to hear her stories over a cup of her delicious demitasse. When she heard I didn't have Italian coffee here in Arkansas, she was mortified and sent me home with a bag. ha! Maria was best friends with my "other Mom" Bernice who lived next door for as long as I can remember. Every visit which was 2-3 times a year after I moved, I would stay with Mom Bernice and one of my highlights was visiting Maria, and listening to her stories over a cup a coffee. I've had the honor and pleasure of knowing Maria for over 30yrs and always loved seeing her and feel truly blessed my last trip this August because I'm so Thankful I got to visit with her in the hospital. She was so upbeat, looked great and even told me she loved me.