Lydia and Liliana, your story of your full lives made me laugh and cry [April 2]. Like you, my parents were born in Zara [now Zadar] in Croatia, in 1925 and 1930. Both as a child and adult, when asked, “Where are your parents from?” I’ve always said, “It’s a long story.” Italian, Yugoslav, Croatian, Dalmatian – I’ve used them all. Our dad used to tell us stories of being an extra on Ben-Hur! He’s not here now to tell us about his memories of those years as a refugee in Rome, so thank you, ladies, for sharing yours.
Paula Wales
Research, Vic

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It was very moving to read about Liliana and Lydia’s beautiful sisterly bond. I had a lonely childhood as an only child and was adamant I wanted at least two children when I married. I was blessed with two girls who are now teenagers – and can only hope they grow up to be as close and loving as Liliana and Lydia are.
Name withheld
Kellyville, NSW

Kitchen Sink Drama

Live on the edge, says Paul Connolly [April 2]. So I collected up the dirty clothes from around the house and put everything into the washing machine unsorted – no laundry bags, T-shirts not turned inside out. I put the machine on a cold wash and went to have a cup of tea. Did I feel more alive? No. Did my adrenalin surge? No. However, when the washing came out like washing normally does and no one noticed, I realised I had saved half an hour in which to live on the edge.
Carolyn Worth
Brighton East, Vic

The writer of the best letter in April will win this Woll frypan set, made in Germany, with a five-layer non-stick surface. RRP$600; woll.com.au.

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