What is a godmother? It has been said that a godmother is a gift sent from above, a Guardian Angel chosen with love. I know this is true because my godmother touched so many lives in her lifetime.

In 1925, Grayce Immaculata Calanna was born. She lived on Millick Street in Philadelphia with five other Sicilian sisters, including my mother. Even as a child, it was evident that Grayce fought for the underdog.

At just over a hundred pounds, Grayce stood 5 feet tall. She was beautiful with dark brown eyes and striking black hair. And, more important, she did not mince words.

She met Joseph Lerro, a famous jeweler in Philadelphia with clients who were movie stars.

My grandparents were pleased with the arrangement and wanted a cake to celebrate the couple’s engagement. Speaking in broken English and Italian, Grandfather Calanna ordered a cake inscribed with the words: “Congratulations, Grayce and Joe.”

However, when the cake arrived, everyone laughed, because the words “Crazy Joe” had been written on top.

The couple married and eventually settled in Pennsauken, New Jersey. The marriage was turbulent and did not withstand the strong winds. This did not stop Grayce from opening her door to family who needed help.

Nieces and nephews huddled by her door seeking shelter from the rain. Niece Barbara Joan was trying to escape an abusive marriage. Grayce gave her a place to stay with her young son. She survived.

Cousin Wayne had a difficult father and developed leukemia at a very young age. All were given unconditional love and a place to rest. My godmother had no tolerance for bullies or parents who did not protect their children.

But there was no one in need of more help than my sister Janice.

I remember the week Grayce came to Connecticut and stayed at my house. At the time, my sister and I were attending elementary school. On this day, my sister received a large bag of clothes from Grayce. We were standing around talking, when my father happened to step into the room.

Immediately, he made a joke about my sister, which no one found funny, especially Grayce.

My godmother looked at him with eyes that flashed red sky in the morning giving warning. My father immediately lost his smile as if realizing he had just stepped into a hornet’s nest.

In her raspy voice, my aunt spoke words that cut sharper than a double-edged sword.

“Joe. Don’t you ever — ever — joke about my niece that way or it will be the last thing you ever do.”

My father laughed nervously, and stepped back. He knew his sister-in-law was serious.

There was an uncomfortable silence before my father turned and walked out.

One of the last times Grayce came to Connecticut was in 1987. She came to visit my sister who was confined to a hospital bed. My sister never had visitors. Grayce was the only relative who came. At the time, Grayce was feeling ill, but still made the trip. Shortly afterward, she died.

What is a godmother? She is the brave moon shining through the darkness reflecting light across a deep blue river. She gives us the courage to survive. She takes in the wounded when no one else will, and heals them.

This was my godmother.

Concetta Falcone-Codding is a 1971 graduate of the Norwich Free Academy and is the author of “The Lonely Nest.” You can contact at concettafalconecodding1@gmail.com.