This is my story …
At Christmastime in 2006, Joe mentioned he hadn’t gotten an email from Italy. Someone suggested we check right that very minute and there was that email saying, “Yes, we are your family!” That someone was me.
You see, Joe is my father-in-law – Steve’s dad; a man I have loved and respected for nearly 30 years. I’d known for a long time about his desire to find his family and the amazing connection he feels for everyone who shares his blood or 
his name. That’s kind of a foreign concept for me, for while I have always been interested in family history, I don’t collect cousins easily. I’ve found a couple that I really like, but mostly I try to get rid of my family!! I’ve always said, just because you’re related doesn’t mean you have to like someone! Joe is completely opposite.
Whether we were invited or we crashed their plans, we ended up planning our trip to Italy with Steve’s parents. As the weeks got closer, we talked more and more about the time we were going to spend with Fulvio and Luisella. We were actually going to get to stay in the very house that Fulvio and Joe’s great-grandfather built in Agordina. We went from excited to nervous — what if we didn’t like them after all? What if they didn’t like us???? What if the language barrier was so great, would could do nothing but stare at each other?!?!??
From the moment we arrived at their home, we knew we worried for nothing. The hugs and kisses we
all received and gave were just the start! Everyone talked nonstop! A mixture of Italian, English and hand signals got us through introductions and on to the most beautiful lunch of Porcini Mushroom Lasagna, Baked Eggplant, Roasted Green Beans, Vegetable Tart and Pear Cake (with pears from her garden.) She served each course individually, with wine to match. Dessert came with a sweet wine and Limoncello … it was a memorable afternoon. I only was able to take one photo of the meal, only because I had just met them and didn’t want to appear too strange!
We spent the evening with them and the next two days with their children in Venice and Padova. The bond between our family and theirs was incredible. We all cried when we left — some wondering if we’d ever see them again. We are sure we will, we have sent emails and letters between us already.
What a gift this entire story was to us. We made connections with family that has shared history – although long ago – of people and events that shaped the course of Joe and Fulvio’s lives. Mostly, though, we got to share a man’s lifelong dream with him and help it come true. Not many of us get to see that kind of gift … we know we are very fortunate and we know we saw something rare. Thank you Joe, for the gift you shared with us!
