This weekend was a great one for family. My cousin Mariella,
her husband Nik, and Zia had lunch together yesterday. It was delicious and one
of the few times we’ve all had lunch together this summer, which is the first
time we’ve all been in Campomarino since, I think, 2014.
Every family has that time when people don’t speak to each
other, or don’t see each other. Our family is no different. In 2016, I was
fortunate enough to see my Zio Matteo for the first time in 11 years. Today,
Mariella, Nik and I rode out to Zio’s house for a visit. While there, we also
got to see our cousin Mariella (yes another Mariella – Zio Matteo’s daughter)
and her husband Marco. In 2002, 2003, and 2005, we spent many nights in Italy
together. I haven’t seen them since. After a nice visit with Zio, who is 90
years young, we went to my cousin Roberto’s house. We’ve spent plenty of nights
together in America and Italy over the years, but haven’t seen each other since
2005. I got to see his wife Anna, and his family too. His little girl Serena is
now 18, and he has two boys, Lorenzo (10), and Massimo (6). I had never met the
boys. Roberto asked me how my journalism job was and it dawned on me that I’ve
changed careers since we last saw each other. It was great spending the day
with family.