I am a first generation American; my parents and everyone before them are from both northern and southern Italy. My mother, Rosanna Francesca Schiano Lomoriello (I love saying her name), is number 8 of 9 children and up until last summer was the only member of her family to cross the great Atlantic Ocean. It has always been difficult being so far away from family, especially when it is such a BIG, close nit, loving Italian family. If you come from a big family (or have seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding- which I feel is symbolic of most European families), then you will understand how tremendously fun and funny it is to surround yourself with a family like that.
From childhood up until 4 years ago (I became a broke college kid), my family and I would travel back to Italy every other summer and spend 2.5 months with our family. I can’t even begin to express in words how powerfully magnificent Italia is; the history that is written on every street corner, the beauty of the scenery- whether at the beach, in a museum, or along the country sides, the mouth-watering, drool-worthy food (ohh god I want some now!), the shopping- ohh the fashion is incredible, and my favorite- the people that make the Italian culture so alluring. Some of my best memories have been made in Italia and lately I am missing my second home so badly.
We aren’t the only ones to visit our family though, over the years we have had so many family members come over from Italy to visit and stay a month or two as well. My Nona Maria (mom’s mom) comes every few years but stays 8+ months every time she does. Nona Maria came over last year before my wedding in august and TOMORROW, my mother will accompany her back home. Last night we had our farewell party- full of family, friends, great food, wine, and of course- tears. My mom will be gone for the next 3 months and I’m truly so sad; I want to go with them and live the Italian life but I will also miss the encouragement and support my mother and grandma have given me since I’ve been ill.
I have always known that I am so blessed to live in America but have such a rich cultural experience. Io Amo L’Italia!!!!
That's so neat that your family will go over there for months and a time and vice verse! I'd don't think I know anyone else who actually has this family situation- what an incredible opportunity! What do you think is the greatest challenge for Americans who live in Italy for months at a time? And what do you think is the greatest challenge for Italians, like your grandmother, who live in the U.S. for months at a time?
ReplyDeleteohh great questions! Well, me and my sister are bilingual so we dont face many challenges when we go to Italy except for the fact that it is TRULY difficult to return home to America. After all these years, I believe that the Italian Culture and the relationships that people have make Italy an incredible place to live. The focus is put on family, friends, and social events much more than it is here. I always find that I go through a period of culture shock when I come back to America.. as funny as that sounds.
ReplyDeleteNo one else in my family speaks English though, so when they come, like my Grandma for months at a time, they must struggle a great deal. My grandma doesnt have any friends here besides a few family members on my dads side that have traveled over. She watches TV but only their body language, and she gets left out of alot of conversations. BUt she is so patient and she understands and loves being here because she knows who precious time with us is and I feel the same way. Im so attached to my grandma and am so sad to see her go back again.
I think the relationships we have with our grandparents are very special. Maybe it's because our parents have expectations for us and when we are with our grandparents it's all about love. I don't know. Grandparents seem to me to be less judgemental and more accepting. Anyway, I still miss mine every day. Both my Grandmothers lived to be over 100, so I was very lucky. Cherish your time and get to Italia ASAP! It'll do your heart good.
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