A story that spans an entire century.
Despoina Sardalou, the beloved grandmother of Paralimni, known as “Tsiakkou,” celebrated her 101st birthday.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
She was born in 1925. At the age of six, she lost her father and was forced to grow up, under very difficult circumstances, alongside her mother, who had severe mobility issues.
“I lost my father when I was 6 years old and have lived on my own ever since. There was a lot of work. I’d go out to the fields and come back exhausted.”
She married the love of her life, Anastasis, and they’ve been together for over 60 years, raising their four children. She loves life, people, and the traditions of our land. But most of all, she loves her tsia-tsia songs, which she sings with all her heart.
“Now that I’ve grown old and have nothing to eat, they don’t even offer me a cup of coffee in the villages I visit.”
From a bygone era to the present day, she has seen the world change. Today, she holds entire generations in her arms: four children, eleven grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Last night, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and neighbors gathered around her, returning the love she has given them all these years.
Her advice is full of wisdom. As she says, “The people we love are our true legacy.”
The secret to her longevity: a glass of kumquat liqueur every afternoon.
Watch Katerina Ioannou’s report:
