September 28, 2003

Letter to our Father

Dad, there is not enough time in a day to remember all the moments. As Joe recently mentioned, you have experienced so much in your life and have actually lived out several lives in Italy and in the here in America.

We remember the stories you told about your life back home in Italy. The war, the strength of people in those times to live off the land and help each other. You explained about the riches you had. Riches in the land that you could share with others that needed it. So many stories about you and our family that focus around a simple belief. Love and help one another. That is it. It is so simple but yet so hard for people to get it sometimes. My dad was very supportive of us. He loved and took care if my mom. He was the anchor in a home that always had a place for a guest at the dinner table, an a ear to listen and a wrench to fix your car. I think I made him laugh and cry everytime I pushed my Fiat or Alfa into the driveway. He has taught us so many things. He embodied the phrase "if you love someone you have to let them go".

One memory, was him allowing me to cross the Alameda (the big street). Letting me drive to Tahoe alone, to go skiing. That was a double whammy, let your son (with a relatively new license) drive to Tahoe to go throw himself down a mountain with two sticks strapped to his feet. Having him listen to "Dad I want to race cars", and that first nervous moment at the start of the race holding his breath with every turn until the checkered flag dropped. Watching him as he went to work and knew that my mom was going to go for a walk on her own. Knowing that even though she has epilepsy and could have a seizure, he had to let her go on her walks on her own because he loved her and that's what she wanted to do.

Dad, you lived by the Bible every day. The Bible gave you strength. You did not discriminate between people, races or religions. You welcomed them all in with open arms and never turned anyone way. You were always willing to listen and talk. Our dad loved the scriptures. He lived by the scriptures, they were the words that gave him strength. He was a man with a HUGE heart. He would never say no to anyone or anything. He may have said, "Are you sure you want to buy a Fiat!" He certainly had a knack with the wrenches, he also had a green thumb, as does all of my family. I didn't realize it then, but looking back on it know, those mornings waking up early before school to water the vegetables (I don't mean a few tomato plants, I mean feed a starving country 'vegetables' ) made me realize the purity, as my dad would say of , "the basics", a little food and lot's of love is all you need and not much else.

Anyone that knows you Dad knows that your biggest commitment in life was to take care of Mom. Plain and simple. No one can dispute that. No one. We will honor your devotion to Mom and continue in your footsteps. Only a few really know what you have gone through to take care of Mom. Your love for her was unmatched. You loved others just as much but words can't describe your devotion for Mom.

Dad, throughout the years you supported us. Working long hours at times to give us the best life you could give. We had our moments of happiness, sadness and confusion but our commitment to one another would prevail and love and honor would continue for one another. You recognize the things that drive us. As far as I can remember our family was involved in cars. As a matter of fact our lively hood came from your magic with cars to support your family financially.

Many of you know that cars continue to be a big part of our lives. I remember my Dad always telling me to be careful during my races while my Mom just says "Go Faster and WIN!" Well, we had a few wins lately didn't we Dad. Every time I get into the car I think about you Dad. I point to the heavens in victory or defeat knowing that you were always there with me.

Dad you taught us to love and help one another. You taught us that pride is a good but sometimes dangerous thing. It's good to be proud you say but don't be too proud to push people away. You taught us to say I am sorry instead of holding on to something. You have taught us to be open and honest. You have taught us to be humble. You say to inspire others by your humbleness. You have been our inspiration throughout the years Dad.

Dad, we were able to share many happy moments together through our lives and recently with drives, ballgame, races and other happy times. You have given and taught us many things about life. It's no secret where you are right now. You are in a place that we all hope to be someday. Where are you? You are taking care of Mom. You are with all of us. You are just around the corner. You are in the garden helping plants grow as you helped us grow in life. You are helping a stranger in need. You are in the car with me. You are in our hearts. You are in our souls. You are part of each of us now.

We love you so very much Dad. We will continue to honor your work and teachings for you have always tried to be there for everyone and to help re-establish peace where it had been broken.

You always said, "Seek and you shall find". You taught us unselfishly to open our hearts for at that time are we closest to God and to each other. It's such a simple task to let go of earthly feelings, yet we tend to hang on to them. Only when we let go will we be able to find true love for one another.

When the sun shined yesterday Dad and I felt you through the warmth of the rays penetrating me in a comforting way while I looked at your rose garden. I knew you where there with us.

You are the victor today Dad. We will talk to you soon.

Your loving sons,

Domenico and Joe