Journal December 2025 Release - Flipbook - Page 52
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grandfather, Grandpa Álvaro, with whom she had a true-life partnership. He was a
humanist who taught her about politics and culture in an incredibly unique way.
She was eighteen when he died of emphysema, which made her feel “angry at
him for leaving me.” But, as time went by, Love came back to replace that anger,
and today, Grandpa Álvaro is a sweet and comforting memory.
That day, Sílvia listed several guides she is putting into action to feel better with
herself: the cultural projects at Palavra Mágica (her language improvement
course), her determination to have healthy relationships, and the certainty that
she needs to be clear about what she looks for in a relationship. Here is an
excerpt from our conversation:
Adriana: Who wouldn’t be surprised by this firm and determined stance of yours?
Who knows you so well that would not be surprised about these attitudes
and dreams of yours and would say this is “pretty much like you”?
Sílvia: Wow! My friends…
Adriana: Which friends? Shall we make a long list?
Sílvia: Rosa, Cecília, Hannah, Lívia, the students’ mothers, my parents, my son, my
brother Maurício…
Adriana: Is there someone who’s no longer here among us, but who would
certainly know about that resolute spirit of yours?
Sílvia: My grandma Gabriela and, of course, my grandpa Álvaro. I miss them so
much! …
Then, she began introducing her grandfather. She told many stories about him,
filled with details and deep emotion. She told me how much he valued friendships
and how his wife (Sílvia’s grandmother) mistreated him all the time. She
mentioned everyday facts: her grandmother leaving only the leftover chicken for
him during Sunday lunch, making it clear that she didn’t honor him; the rides to
Narractivating Conversations with the Internalised-Other: A Therapy with a Little Bit of Fairy Dust.
Journal of Contemporary Narrative Therapy, December 2025 Release, p. 45-65.
www.journalnft.com
