I met Joaninha when she was 5. She became my Portuguese Gd daughter that day, and I have loved her ever since. Some say we look alike, but that is only a compliment to me. She was called ” Little Joana” in those days because she was thin, small boned and shorter than her sisters. Now all that has changed. Joana is almost 20, tall, slim and a head turner. But it’s not her looks that attract: it’s her ever-present smile, her care for others and her determination to succeed, no matter the challenges. And she has had many. Last night she went with me to a holiday party. She knew no one but smiled and did her best to speak some English. She sat and waited while I talked to some long-lost friends and helped me navigate the narrow streets of Estoril on our way home. When we came in after midnight, Joana said, ” Thank you, Pat.” In truth, the thanks was mine, not hers, to give.
Tags: Family Joy
