I haven't written a lot lately because there has been so much that I was dealing with in my personal life, so it was hard to sit down and put some of my thoughts on paper. Even though my mind was trying to remember everything I could from my past. As many of you know, my beloved sister is terminally ill and watching her deteriorate on a daily basis has been a tough road. A few weeks ago, we really thought she wasn't going to make it through the week. But she rallied, as she has done before and is now holding her own. During that week, sitting next to her and thinking about all the good times together, one thing that constantly came up was all of the great things our parents had taught us about our heritage, our Italian roots. I was only three years old when I came to this country, but I feel like I am rich in all our traditions and family values that were pounded in our head, over and over again. Sometimes, many times, I fought all my Italian ways and wanted to be known as an American, after all I was a U.S. Citizen. But I am so glad I finally realized that I am proud of my heritage! After visiting Italy, a few months ago, and being able to experience the lifestyle, culture and sense of community the Italians live, brings me joy and makes me believe that is how I want to live too.
Family has always been a big part of my life and I hope that I can pass this way of thinking to both my girls. We all have experienced times in our lives that we didn't want to have anything to do with family, but we always come around. Growing up, our house was always full of relatives, always an excuse to celebrate something or just a Sunday dinner and let's invite family, sometimes up to 40 people at a time. My mom would start cooking on Saturdays with her great meat ragu. Once that was cooking then she would plan the rest of her menu. Summers were great she would go out to my dad's beloved garden and use some of the great vegetables he grew. Everyone would arrive on Sunday after church, dinner would last for hours, talking , laughing. After dinner, the men would play a Italian cards and have homemade wine, while the women would relax and talk about their kids. It's amazing how thing are imbedded in your mind... I can still smell the sauce.....I am so lucky to have grown up in a great family with strong family ties.
My sister is my only sibling, my parents have both passed away, this is why I feel so strong in holding on to my traditions. One day I will be the matriarch of my Italian family and I am very proud to be able to continue the traditions for my daughters. Until then, Tony and I will do everything that we can to bring a little piece of Italy to Nicole-Taylor's Pasta and Market. This is our labor of love to all our family and friends. Thank you for being part of our "familiga"
