When I embarked on my annual visit to Little Italy during the Feast of the Assumption, never did I envision the time I would have!
First and foremost, I was touring Murray Hill and its ancillary streets with two very good friends who frequent Little Italy but never have been to The Feast.
What a privilege that they chose me for this honor.
Lisa and Bob were just a joy to watch, like wide-eyed kids seeing something for the first time!
We went through ever nook and cranny including our tour of the new playground, ate pretty much one of everything and went back to what we really loved, and of course, carried out the annual tradition of lighting candles at Church.
I'm so glad I could experience this fun time with friends rather than alone.
It's hard. Last year Mom and I went to the Feast and shared so many memories. This year, I know Mom is looking down on us but she's not physically with us.
When Lisa and Bob left, I lingered and am sooooo glad I did!
I saw Mary Jo from the Terrace Club. Mary Jo Mont manages the Terrace Club at 'Jacob's Field.' She's like family, loved Mom, and will always have a special place in my heart.
Then I ran into my old pal, Tom Stacho, of the Cleveland Police Department. I used to work with him more closely through my job but he is now a bigwig with the force .....fortunately, I know exactly where to find him during the Feast!
I decided to stay for the closing procession, service, and fireworks. In recent years past, we've been unable to enjoy this tradition.
And finally, I revisited the fried dough stand of a childhood friend, Michael Rapposelli. By the time I went back, Michael had returned and for the next hour we walked down memory lane talking about the neighborhood, childhood funnies, old friends, how we were raised, what he'd like his children to get out of life, and reconnecting.
I met his lovely family. I saw his Mom, who I'd just put on tv a few nights earlier. I had always thought Mrs. R was so beautiful --and she still is! I saw one of his sister's, Michelle, and just had the most amazing experience.
I was in awe of the wonderful things he kept repeating about Mom and how he just adored her.
I know she's a saint. I know I love her more than life and always will. Over the years I've seen how others adore her. And through her death and the months that followed I have seen how people miss her. I guess I will never really comprehend the scope of all the lives she's touched. She IS my hero and my inspiration.
I can only strive to be 1/2 the person that Mom was...and that will be a major accomplishment in my book!
All in all, Mom IS with me every single day. I feel her, I speak like she spoke, I solve problems out of the blue, I hear how others miss and love her...I am reminded by my childhood friends the great things they remember about Mom, the good things about life when we were all young, and what we should keep alive from our history. I am reminded how Mom influenced others' lives. I pray that I am or one day will eventually evolve into becoming a shining example as Mom was to all.
And I am so blessed that I have friends--whether newer friends such as Lisa and Bob or older friends such as Michael --to keep me grounded, focused and in possession of what is really important in this life we are so fortunate to live.
XO
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