I know this is late but for the future peoples running into this question I just took the test and the answer was A. the commonality of shared feelings and experiences.
Answer: A) the commonality of shared feelings and experiences.
Explanation: In the given passage from "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica” we can see that the word choice that the speaker uses describes the commonality of shared feelings and experiences (of the children when they were with her mother) this word choice includes expressions like "plain wide face," "ample bosom," "her look of maternal interest," etc. So the correct answer is the corresponding to option A.
Memorabilia from a lifetime could be used. If you think of each paragraph representing a shell, necklace, WWII helmet, letter, photograph, etc. Each would have their own purpose, relevance, and setting.
