02/25/2025
Today, my father would have celebrated his 90th birthday. My life changed Seven month ago when my father passed away. The moment I learned my father had died I became a different person. My Dad had been failing in his 90th year, he talked about being conscious of not being as physically strong as he had been and struggled to go to the gym early every morning. For a man committed to exercise and fitness, not wanting to go to the gym was big. In the past months, some part of me expected my Dad to always walk through the back door of Periwinkles at 7 AM on a Thursday morning and instantly take over the kitchen preparing eggplant the way he alone decided it should be prepared. My Dad was very particular with how it should be prepped for frying. When he finished he would walk out into the dining room and look for someone to have coffee with. There was always a friend happy to spend some time with him. Sometimes I find myself looking out into the dining room and daydreaming about those days.
This past year, my brothers and sisters have relived our whole lives as we come and go from our childhood home on Washington Street, it's been difficult for all of us. But amidst the struggles, we hold onto countless cherished memories and stories of my mom and dad, growing up in Revere surrounded by our Italian family.
Me? As I said, I am a different person. After my mother died in 2016 we all were quick to know we needed to be there for Dad, but Dad was a man of absolute faith in God and never flinched when he said our mother was in a "better place”. We all came to accept and believe the truth in his words.
As my dad’s health declined, I learned to truly appreciate the time we spent together, whether with family or just the two of us at his home in Revere—watching Steve Harvey or sharing tea and Italian cookies. Those moments are now treasured memories that continue to sustain me. While I don’t feel sadness, I find peace knowing he is with my mom in a “better place.” I can now smile when I expect him to walk through the door at 7 AM on Thursday mornings. My life isn’t sad; it’s simply different, and for that, I am grateful. Happy Birthday Dad, thanks for the wonderful memories. ❤️