Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1499169
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 MAY 2023 NEWS On Mother's Day, MARIANNA CALLEJA sits down with four extraordinary mother- daughter duos, each with a unique story to tell Mothers and daughters: Josette Ciappara and Marta Vella JOSETTE How would you describe your relationship with your daughter? We have a very strong relationship. It is a very deep connection. We both relish our space but we support each other unconditionally. We share a common love for the Arts especially theatre, travel, good company, over- coming challenges, good humour. During COVID I contracted the virus with mild reactions. Marta was still in London. When I gave her the news, she imagined the worst especially since I was not vaccinated. She refused to be- lieve I only had a slight fever. She im- mediately ordered swab tests and had them shipped to my place. She would call very often and I got so many unex- pected visitors who would drop by to say hello. Truth was she kept sending them over to make sure I was still alive! What qualities have you passed on to your daughter? The love for learning and for the theatre. The determination and commitment of reaching goals she believes in. The understanding that in life you need to count only on yourself and accept the ups and downs as being part of the process of life. What advice would you give your daughter? To be herself and follow her dreams. To take life with a pinch of salt and worry less. To appreciate herself worth. MARTA What is the most memorable moment you've shared with your mother? How is it possible to pick just one?! One that stands out must've been our New York trip in 2012. It came after the end of a hard chapter and really symbolized a new beginning for us. How has your mother influenced your life and shaped who you are to- day? My mother's influence is embedded in every fibre of my being. She has nev- er spared anything when raising me and given her all and more. I strive to carry her resilience, integrity and pas- sion in everything I do. How has your relationship evolved over the years? It changed a lot. As a child she was very firm (but always fun). Growing older she softened and started to trust me to take charge of things and lead more. The dynamic has changed and it's become special in a different way. Antonella and Martina Galea Loffreda ANTONELLA How would you describe your relationship with your daughter? Like any mother, I feel I have assumed so many different roles in Martina's life that I honestly cannot describe our relationship in a few words. We're somehow opposites and although we agree on our ideals, we argue a lot because our attitude and ap- proach towards anything we commit our- selves to is quite different. But we can't live without one another. I'm still hoping that she sees a friend in me... I guess she's getting there... maybe at a very slow pace considering she's soon turning 18, but as they say, never lose hope. Typical moments that picture our bond are our shopping sprees. When- ever I accompany her, she seems to hate everything I invite her to try on with a passion. Her first reaction is always in the extreme negative. Am I already so old-fashioned? When she goes shopping on her own, she then literally bombards me with selfies from the dressing room. I fail to understand how my opinion seems to count more when I'm out of sight. This somehow augurs well considering she's seriously looking into pursuing her per- forming arts studies in the UK so I'm hop- ing that should this materialise, I would hear less 'No's, No Way's and As If's'. What qualities have you passed on to your daughter? Definitely my sensitivity, honesty, my need of helping and bringing joy to my family and friends and most of all, just like me, she tends to set very high expec- tations on herself. From her end she has certainly strengthened my determination and resilience - two qualities I most ad- mire in her. What advice would you give your daughter? She's the love my life and my greatest wish is to live long enough to watch her realise her dreams. So, my advice to her is to follow her dreams no matter what; whilst always embracing the strong values she was brought up in. To never under- estimate herself and to remain as kind, friendly and humble as she has always been. MARTINA What is the most memorable moment you've shared with your mother? One episode that I will always cherish is re-joining her after my first NYMT per- formance of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' in Manchester. This musical was put on against all odds during the COV- ID-19 period, along with all the uncer- tainty it had brought with it. Mum did her very utmost to make sure that I get to live this experience no matter how diffi- cult it was to even co-ordinate the flight. Meeting right after our opening night was highly emotional and I was very joyous to see how proud she was of me. How has your mother influenced your life and shaped who you are today? My mother has always been my main support system and everything I am to- day; I owe it to her. From a very young age, she has pushed me to my limits in order to become the best version of my- self. Not only did she have a great impact on my personal development, but she also provided me with the right ingredients that are needed in order to succeed in life. How has your relationship evolved over the years? I have always considered my relation- ship with my mother to be a tight-knit one. Since I was little, I have always looked up to my mum as a role model and ad- mired her precision in work and her won- derful personality. Throughout my life, she has taken on different roles to help me in everything I committed myself to. I explicitly remember our study sessions during exam season, when she would drop all her work to aid me in my studies. I also recall her directing and even cho- reographing my performances for weekly singing competitions I used to partake in. As I grew older, I realised that in my mum I had not only found a role model but also a friend.