During the time we spent together in Italy, as I mentioned in my posts before, Paige and I built a strong friendship based also on a lot of laughter. We teased each other and made fun of ourselves with a light heart. For those who heard her speaking Italian, and for those who understand a little of it, what I'm about to write won't be new and I know Paige won't mind me writing this because of her ability to laugh about herself. Her sweet, giggling voice, was even cuter when she spoke Italian, but her American accent and some struggle with the Italian grammar, made her Italian funny sometimes...and I loved it. I'd always had a talent impersonating other people and during my mission I couldn't help replicating my companion's Roman accent. But it was Paige's way of speaking in Italian that really caught my attention, and after only a couple of days together, having made sure it wouldn't hurt her feelings, I managed to imitate her so well that Paige herself would have fun hearing it. What a good sport : ). For many years after we met, my Sister Stovall's impersonation remained one of my favorite memories of the fun moments I had in Genova with Paige. It even ended up in my BYU English Literature classes (but that's another story). Well...since Paige has left us...I can't do it anymore...I tried...to revive the memory, hoping to smile again as we did together...but I can't. My voice doesn't come out...tears do instead.
Today I finally found one of the tapes on which I recorded Paige speaking...I cried, but...oh! the joy to hear her voice again! Finding that tape was such a treat in a challenging day like it is today.
I want to share few seconds of my tape with you...the recording is about 14 years old...I hope you enjoy it.
And smile. Like Paige always did and does when she speaks.
To all of you reading this...a big, strong embrace.
Stefania
WOW... thanks so much for that:)
ReplyDeleteit is amazing to hear her voice again:)