In a cozy Italian kitchen

I was fed lovingly from an old wooden spoon,

ladled from a pot that seemed to never ran dry

I was held closely and read to every night, while gentle fingers brushed my hair,

til welcoming dreams met my fluttering eyes

I was sang to,

with snapping fingers,

and laughing glances

guiding me

through melodies fast and slow

I was nourished with words of encouragement,

my mistakes and failures carefully turned and shaped into memorable lessons learned and rules to remember

I was disciplined firmly, and immediately, but never with cruelty

So that I might know the shape and boundaries of the lines drawn by society,

My hands were never left to idle, my energy aimed and focused to chores that would one day become a man’s tasks

I learned the satisfaction of a job well done, tasks completed, and promises fulfilled

I learned to give my Word, and to keep it, even when it wasn’t convenient, even when it wasn’t fair.

When I close my eyes

I easily recall

thousands of smiles and hugs

nods of agreement

comforting hands reaching out

bouts of laughter and mirth

faces filled with pride

arms raised in celebrations of victory,

How fortunate

How blessed

my childhood was

I am eternally grateful

to the angel of fate

who delivered me into the hands of such kind, honest, genuine souls

~ Dedicated to my parents John & Susan

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