So many of us have the same stories, the same memories. You are right with each passing generation we lose a part of our italian culture. We must pass our traditions to our children, we must teach them to make homemade pasta and to cook with love, for our families. To be proud of their nationality and to keep the traditions and memories alive. I just recently became an Italian citizen, a gift from my grandfather from the grave. They worked hard and sacrificed so much for us. Please take the time for Sunday dinner with your family make the food with your hands like grandma did. Tell your children stories, they will be proud to be italian too. I am second generation but we still cook all grandmas recipes just like she did. Before she died she made each of her grandchildren a cookbook with all her dishes. My mother taught us to make homemade pasta, ravioli ect. Iam teaching my daughter now. We must not let their traditions disappear. It's the simplest things that bring the greatest pleasures in life. It's all about love, food and respect. We show our love thru the food we make. Buon appetito.
Jan 26, 2011 Rating
I remember! by: dolly
Great Great Great Job! I can relate .. I have those same memories, just couldn't express them the way this person did!
May 26, 2010 Rating
Thanks Augistine by: Marco
My wife and I grew up in the North End of Boston (Little Italy) and after reading your comments I miss it more than I can say. Everything was the same as you describe, except for the garden. And yeah the GRAVY cooking on Sunday morning was the best memory you brought up. I miss Mama getting me up for Mass too.
Mar 24, 2010 Rating
That's my Life ! by: Jo Ann
What a beautiful remembrance. That was so my life growing up and how I wanted that for my children, but the times changed so fast that I was only able to give them just a part of it, but I was left with many good stories to tell them and they love hearing about them.
I love how you mention your family garden with all the tomaotoes. That was just like my father garden. I never understood why he only grew tomaotes,but then again what else could of made the most beautiful looking garden ever but a tomatoe.
Thanks for bringing such a warm feeling to my heart with your story of the "Italian Famly". God Bless you.
Feb 12, 2010 Rating
The Oldest Blogger by: Elvira Sperduto Oliver
Hi! Augustine
After I posted my first comment to you and returned to the beginning of your story, I noted that you are in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania and not New York. Sorry for the error. You would have liked my brother. I used to go up to see him once a month, from Toms River, New Jersey until he passed away.
Elvira
Feb 12, 2010 Rating
The Oldest Blogger on Earth by: Elvira Sperduto OLIVER
I had no knowledge my essay was on the internet until a few years ago when a paisana mentioned it to me. Thank you for stating that you are not the author. Is it possible you knew my brother? He lived in Gilbertsville, N.Y. but passed away in 1993. His name was Ernest Sperduto.
I was validated as the oldest blogger since August 2009....and, if you would like to know more about me, please read my blogs.
Thank you again. Sincerely,
Elvira S. Oliver
Jan 26, 2010 Rating
Heartwarming Reflections by: Marion Estephan
As I read the memories I was thinking that this could be about my family except that we are Lebanese.My husband was born in Lebanon and I grew up in an Lebanese neighborhood in Easton,Pa.,surrounded by Italians.The Lebanese would speak Italian and vice versa. My husband and I have tried to keep the Sunday dinner tradition alive,with the children and grandchildren coming to our house.My husband has the huge garden ,the fig trees and the grape vine which supplies us leaves for stuffed grape leaves. The food is different,ours being Gibbie,Tabbouli, Stuffed Grape Leaves,Himmous,Garlic Sauce,Pureed Eggplant,Chicken and Rice,Baked Gibbie etc.but the traditions and love are the same.My son was hysterical when he read that the grandparents didn't want to leave their house and would always rush back home,this describes us exactly.
Jan 24, 2010 Rating
Touching by: Deanna
Your story was wonderful and I feel I lived a piece of your life with you through your memories! Never forget those memories and keep telling them as often as you can! You never know what grandchild might cherish those traditions just by seeing your eyes light up when you tell them!!!
Jan 06, 2010 Rating
Heartwarming by: Anonymous
Thank you so very much for sharing these thoughts with italians everywhere. I was touched and a little saddened. I grew up in Pottstown in the 50's, a purebreed italian. My memories are endless ofour family gatherings at my grandparents homes. I would like to share one holiday memory and that is "the kids table". My grandfather built a table to accommodate all my aunts & uncles and a sperate table for my cousins. We numbered about 35. It was a big deal when you graduated to the adults table. My grandmom would make at least 10 pounds of homemades (spaghetti), one pound for my grandpop and each uncle, the rest for us. I never saw one family consume so much pasta! And yes that was just an appetizer to be followed by every meat imaginable. Those years were so special and the best memories to this day!
Dec 27, 2009 Rating
Don's right -on by: Mike JanFrancisco
I remember growing up in Norristown in the 40's and I surely can relate to Don's comments All I can say is great memories! Salute!
Dec 26, 2009 Rating
Memories by: Len Fusco
Well said, my wife (Not Itialian) always tells me we over eat and over cook, especially if company is coming. And if the company are Amidi-gans they eat like birds so she thinks she is correct because of the amount of left overs.But I love the left overs!
