Full Circle

My firstborn is in Italy! She is visiting this most amazing country with Nicolas and his lovely family. This visit is so very special for her, and for me as well. You see, with this visit to Italy, life comes full circle. Madison's great-great grandfather Joseph came here from Italy in 1911 to begin a new life for himself and his family. Shortly after, his wife Carmella and his young son Leo arrived and joined him. Young Leo, Madison's great grandfather, would eventually grow up and have a son...William Joseph...Madison's grandfather...my father.

I love that she has dreamed of visiting this place that means so much to her...This place where the people who came before her were born and raised and lived and loved. She is immersing herself in the Italian culture, and I could not be happier for her...And for my Daddy, who I am certain is right there with her, enjoying every moment.

Life is wonderful, isn't it? When that young Italian man boarded the ship taking him across the ocean to begin a new life, he surely never imagined that one day, years later, a young woman would return to the very place he called home. This young woman, his great-great granddaughter, would smile and laugh and even cry as she returned to the very place her story began. Yes, life is wonderful indeed.

I have this beautiful set of photos hanging in my kitchen. 

The pictures of my Dad and his father and grandparents, whom he loved so very much, reminds me every single day that amazing people came before me.

And I never want to forget them.

My Dad with his beloved grandparents...Carmella...

And Joseph.

Here he is...a few years older...with his father, my grandfather, Leo.

Just adding this one because it is my favorite picture of my Dad as a young man!

My girl...exploring Italy...

And of course...tasting the local cuisine!

She told me the churches are unbelievable...

And she lit a candle for her Grandma Flo, Steve's Mum, who is nearing the end of her time here on Earth...

And for her Grandpa Bill...who I know was with her the entire time.

Thank you for sharing these special moments with me, my friends.

We share so much here, don't we?

From happiness to sorrow, recipes to ideas, and memories of loved ones, this little world of Blogging is a warm and wonderful place.

Have a cozy day. 

Thanks for visiting. : )